Creates moist microclimate

Rhizomatous, perennial, herb (fern), to half a metre high in moist sandy soils, along creeks in eucalypt forest. Bob Mesibov, Research Associate, Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston notes that in most countries Pteridium spp. are considered weeds. Bracken blocks the growth of other vegetation, including tree seedlings. It’s typically the first plant to re-establish after a weed-clearing fire. It causes cancer and other diseases in sheep and cattle, and blindness in goats. However, in bushcare, bracken offers shade and a relatively moist microclimate for a wide range of flying and crawling species, not to mention a place to hide from predators. The slow-rotting fronds and stems (stipes) of dead bracken provide an even shadier, moister microenvironment for litter invertebrates.

Photo: Robert Whyte

Seed collecting and propagation

Transplantation of rhizomes sometimes successful, providing the soil is not disturbed within the clod being transplanted. Use smaller plants that have already been reduced in vigour as opposed to plants with fronds several metres high.  Spore is only very rarely set, but appears to persist for many years.  May occasionally appear in pots of other species in shade houses where these are close to bushland containing the species. Observed to be a prolific regenerator from spore along creek lines following fire.