Bracken
Pteridium aquilinum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
24"–72" H × 24"–72" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
VT
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bracken is a large, aggressive fern that spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes to form dense colonies. It has distinctive triangular fronds that can grow quite tall and turn golden-brown in fall before dying back completely in winter.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bracken takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively and can take over large areas
- Looks completely bare and messy in winter
- Considered weedy and invasive in appearance
Wildlife value
While bracken provides shelter for small wildlife, it offers limited value to pollinators since it does not flower. Its dense growth can crowd out more beneficial native plants.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Bracken fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.