Bracken Fern

Pteridium aquilinum

no photo — written note
photo: Wikimedia Commons
Plants

Triangular fronds held flat above dry sandy ground, often in big colonies.

Field facts
HabitatDry sandy woods, oak barrens, dunes
RangeNorthern Indiana, scattered south
When to lookMay to October
StatusSecure (Indiana DNR / IUCN Red List)
Look-alikesHay-scented Fern

Field note: One of the most widespread plants on Earth, found on every continent but Antarctica.

Lesson
Watching responsibly

Dune and barrens soils blow away when trampled; stay on the path.

Contains carcinogenic compounds; not edible despite folk traditions.

Your records

No sightings yet. Log one from the Observe tab to earn this stamp.

Log a sighting