Bracken Fern, Pteridium aquilimum

The Bracken Fern is found in large colonies and is distinctive, in that it reaches a height of about 2 m (approx. 7 ft). Plants are several feet wide, often overlapping their neighbors, thereby creating a literally impenetrable barrier. Bracken Ferns have spore bodies rather than flowers, but reproduce almost exclusively by root growth. The Bracken’s roots are deep, making it very hardy and relatively impervious to drought or excesses of heat or cold.

According to "Plants for a Future", there are a number of reports regarding the possible health risks associated with this plant. The huge quantity of spores released by large areas of Bracken Ferns may be implicated in stomach cancers. The leaves and roots contain substances that deprive the body of vitamin B1, if they are eaten raw, though they are possibly alright cooked. The leaves are also said to be carcinogenic.

The same source states that the plant has quite a few edible qualities. More specifically, the root can be eaten when cooked. It is very fibrous, so, traditionally, it was baked after being dried, the outer skin was peeled off and the remaining material was pounded into a powder, with sticks, so that the inner fibres could be removed. The dried root, which contains 60% starch, can be stored for years. The dry weight content of starch is between 43 and 72%. This starch can be extracted from the roots and is used in making dumplings, which are eaten with soya flour and sugar as a delicacy. The root, however, has a somewhat constipating effect upon the body, so it is best eaten with foods that have a laxative quality.

Young shoots, harvested when still unfurling, can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be used like asparagus or like spinach. Somewhat flavourless, though they are considered to be a delicacy in Japan, but also here, in Greece. The fronds should be used when less than 20 cm (7 4/5 in) long, inasmuch as longer ones don't taste as good. The shoots are somewhat bitter, so they are often blanched for a few minutes in boiling water, then left to soak in cold water for two hours before being cooked. Although this might well improve the flavour, it will greatly reduce the nutritional value. The shoots should be steeped in lye first. Occasional use should cause no problems, but regular consumption is not advisable, because the shoots might be carcinogenic.

"Plants for a Future" also maintain that the Bracken Fern has quite a few medicinal uses. That is, young shoots are diuretic, refrigerant and vermifuge. They have been eaten as a treatment for cancer. The leaves have been used in a steam bath as a treatment for arthritis. A decoction of the plant has also been used in the treatment of tuberculosis. A poultice of the pounded fronds and leaves has been used to treat sores of any type and also to bind broken bones in place. The root is antiemetic, antiseptic, appetizer and tonic. A tincture of the root in wine is used in the treatment of rheumatism. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of stomach cramps, chest pains, internal bleeding, diarrhoea, colds and also to expel worms. The poulticed root is applied to sores and burns.

The plant, as cited by "Plants for a Future", has a number of other uses, namely:

a glue can be made from the rootstock;
a brown (or green according to some reports) dye is obtained from the fronds;
the fibrous remnants from edible roots make a good tinder;
the rhizome lathers readily in water and can be used as a soap;
a decoction of the root has been used as a hair wash;
the roots have been rubbed into the scalp in order to promote hair growth;
the ashes of the plant are rich in potassium and could be used as a fertilizer; they are also used in the manufacture of glass (when mixed with sand) and in making soap (when mixed with vegetable oil);
the whole plant is a very valuable addition to the compost heap, it is rich in potash and makes an excellent compost for tree seeds;
dried ferns produce a very durable thatch;
the leaves are used as a packing material for fruit, keeping it fresh and cool, without imparting any color or flavor; they are also used as a lining for baskets, fruit drying racks etc. and as a bedding;
the leaves repel insects and can help to prevent rot in the fruits etc.

Type of plant
Rhizomous

perennial

Flowering Season
N/A

Known Hazards
Spores released by large areas of bracken may be implicated in stomach cancers. Leaves and roots contain substances that deprive the body of vitamin B1 if they are eaten raw. Leaves are said to be carcinogenic.

Known Uses
Roots and young shoots are edible. Plant has quite a few medicinal properties - diuretic, refrigerant, vermifuge, antiemetic, antiseptic, appetizer and tonic - and has been used to treat a number of conditions. The plant has a number of other uses, detailed above. "Plants for a Future" rate this plant 2 out of 5 for edibility and 2 out of 5 for medicinal use (min. 0, max. 5).

Habitat
Heath, woodland and grassland.

Distribution
America, Europe, incl. Britain, perhaphs elsewhere.

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Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae (Plants); Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular plants); Division Pteridophyta (Ferns); Class: Filicopsida; Order: Polypodiales; Family: Dennstaedtiaceae; Genus: Pteridium; Species: aquilinum

Acknowledgments

Information on the plant's edible, medicinal and other uses was obtained from "Plants for a Future".