Origin
Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn var. decompositum (Gaud.) R. Tryon, commonly known as the Western Bracken Fern, is a fern species that belongs to the family Dennstaedtiaceae. It is native to western North America, including Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States.
Common Names
The Western Bracken Fern is commonly known by various names such as the Bracken Fern, Brake Fern, Eagle Fern, and Western Bracken.
Uses
The Western Bracken Fern has multiple uses across different cultures. Historically, it has been used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes, including treating various ailments such as headaches, rheumatism, and stomach issues. Some tribes also used it to make baskets, clothing, and other decorative items.
Today, the Western Bracken Fern is primarily used for ornamental purposes in landscaping. It is valued for its aesthetic appeal and its ability to tolerate various growing conditions, including shade and poor soil. The fern is also used in erosion control and reclamation projects due to its ability to stabilize soil.
General Appearance
The Western Bracken Fern typically grows to between 1 and 2 meters tall, with fronds that can reach up to 3 meters in length. The fronds are light green in color and are bipinnate, meaning they branch extensively. The fern has a rhizomatous growth habit, with an underground stem that can spread rapidly to form large colonies. Its root system is shallow and serves to anchor the plant to the ground.
As a deciduous fern, the Western Bracken Fern's fronds die back in winter, but new growth appears in the spring. The fern reproduces through spores, which develop in sporangia on the underside of the fronds.
Light Requirements
Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn var. decompositum (Gaud.) R. Tryon commonly known as bracken fern requires partial to full shade for optimal growth. This plant is adapted to grow under the shade of taller trees and vegetation in its natural habitat, so it is well-suited to thrive in low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Bracken fern is mostly found in temperate and tropical regions, and it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it thrives in moderate temperatures between 60 and 70 °F (15-21 °C). This plant can withstand occasional frost and heatwaves, but it prefers temperatures within its optimal range for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Bracken fern can grow in a variety of soil types but prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.0 to 7.0. It can also tolerate acidic soils with a pH as low as 4.5. The soil can be sandy, clayey, or loamy as long as it is well-draining and not waterlogged. In natural habitats, it typically grows in nutrient-poor soils such as rocky slopes and disturbed areas.
Cultivation
The Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn var. decompositum (Gaud.) R. Tryon, also known as the Bracken Fern, is a hardy plant that grows well in temperate and subtropical regions. It prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. Bracken Fern grows best in partially shaded areas with good air circulation and protection from strong winds.
The planting process should be done in the early spring or fall when the weather is mild. The plant needs enough space to grow, so maintain 18-24 inches distance between two levels of ferns. When planting, ensure that the fern's crown at the soil surface level. Water generously right after planting.
Watering Needs
Bracken Fern is drought-tolerant, but it performs best when the soil is kept evenly moist. Inadequate watering can cause the foliage to wilt, while too much water can lead to root rot.
During the hot summer months, provide the ferns with ample water every two to three weeks. During the winter, reduce the watering frequency to avoid waterlogging of the soil.
Fertilization
To increase the plant's growth rate, fertilizing the Bracken Fern is essential. Apply a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 to the ferns every two to three months during the active growing season from spring to autumn.
Avoid over-fertilization, as it can cause the ferns to produce weak growth, leading to pest attacks and other diseases.
Pruning
Bracken Ferns require minimal pruning; however, trimming brown or yellowed fronds is essential. Removing the dead fronds improves air circulation, which helps minimize pest and disease attack. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid stress to the plant.
Avoid removing more than 50% of the fronds in a single pruning session, as this can weaken the plant or cause it to die off entirely.
Propagation of Pteridium aquilinum var. decompositum
Pteridium aquilinum var. decompositum, commonly referred to as bracken fern, can be propagated through two primary methods: spores and rhizome division.
Propagation via spores
To propagate Pteridium aquilinum var. decompositum through spores, collect mature fronds that have spores on the underside. Carefully remove the fronds and place them in a paper bag, allowing the spores to fall to the bottom. The spores can then be mixed with a sterile growing medium and placed in a container with high humidity. It is important to keep the medium moist and avoid direct sunlight, as these conditions can inhibit spore germination. Once the spores have germinated, the young ferns can be transplanted to a suitable growing location.
Propagation via rhizome division
The second method of propagation is through rhizome division. This involves separating a portion of the rhizome, which is an underground stem that produces roots and shoots. Dig up the fern and carefully remove a portion of the rhizome using a sharp knife or garden fork. Ensure that the rhizome section has both roots and shoots present. Replant the separated section in a suitable location with well-drained soil and consistent moisture. The new plant will establish itself and begin to grow, becoming a self-sustaining fern over time.
Disease and Pest Management for Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn var. decompositum (Gaud.) R. Tryon
Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn var. decompositum (Gaud.) R. Tryon, commonly known as fern brake or Bracken fern, is a deciduous fern that is found in temperate and tropical regions of the world. This fern is very tough and aggressive and can spread quickly, often becoming a pest in areas where it is not wanted. To maintain the health of Pteridium aquilinum, it is crucial to manage diseases and pests effectively to ensure a healthy and productive growth.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Pteridium aquilinum is leaf spot. This disease is caused by several fungi, including Alternaria, Fusarium, and Pestalotiopsis. Symptoms include the formation of small brown spots on the leaves, which may coalesce and result in necrosis. To manage leaf spot disease, it is necessary to remove and discard infected plant material, increase the spacing between plants, and ensure adequate soil drainage to reduce excess moisture around the roots. Fungicides can also be used to prevent and control the spread of leaf spot disease.
Another common disease that affects Pteridium aquilinum is root rot. This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora and results in wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot disease, it is important to ensure adequate soil drainage to prevent waterlogging, avoid over-fertilization and over-watering, and remove and discard infected plant material.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Pteridium aquilinum is the Bracken fern weevil (Apion frumentarium). These small beetles feed on the leaves of the fern, causing extensive defoliation and reduction in plant growth. To manage the Bracken fern weevil, physical handpicking and removal of the beetles can be used. Alternatively, insecticides can be applied to control populations of the beetle.
Another pest that can affect Pteridium aquilinum is the Bracken fern caterpillar (Hyphantria cunea). These caterpillars can cause extensive damage to the foliage of the fern and can lead to a reduction in plant growth and yield. To manage the Bracken fern caterpillar, removal of caterpillars by handpicking or the application of insecticides can be used.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial to manage diseases and pests effectively to ensure the growth and productivity of Pteridium aquilinum. It is essential to monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease and pest infestation, remove and discard any infected plant material, and use cultural and chemical management methods to prevent and control the spread of diseases and pests.
