Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum esculentum)

Family: Polypodiaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Pteridium aquilinum esculentum is a FERN growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The seeds ripen from July to August. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in a white starch that can be eaten raw or cooked. — Root - rich in a white starch that can be eaten raw or cooked.; It can also be dried and ground into a powder.; The root is very fibrous.; When dried, it will store for years.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests, heaths and paddocks. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)