Bracken Fern

Pteridium aquilinum, Dennstaedtiaceae

Zones

3–10

Layer

Herbaceous

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Fast

Guild Roles

Ground CoverMulch Maker

Partial Shade (tolerated)Partial Sun (preferred)

Moderate

4.5 – 6.5

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Bracken Fern produces allelopathic compounds that can inhibit cereal grain growth and competes aggressively for soil resources.

Bracken fern allelopathy and aggressive spreading inhibits establishment of other grasses

Bracken fern allelopathic compounds can inhibit growth of herbaceous perennials like hostas

Bracken allelopathy affects broad range of understory plants including hosta species

Bracken fern releases phytotoxic compounds and creates dense shade that suppresses native grasses

Bracken fern allelopathy and dense growth suppresses other native fern species

MulchGround Cover

Bracken Fern grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 10.

Design guilds with Bracken Fern and see companion relationships visually.