Weed profile: Bracken fern
Bracken fern
Bracken fern
Pteridium aquilinum var. esculentum
Bracken fern is adapted to a wide range of well-drained neutral to strongly acidic soil types. The hardy, persistent root system allows bracken stands to grow larger and thicken over time. The presence of a large number of fine roots in the soil surface also enables the fern to compete effectively with pasture species for moisture and nutrients.