Scientific Name
Pteridium aquilinum
Common Name
Bracken fern

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Pteridaceae
Plant Description
Fern leaves (fronds) erect or often inclined to one side, broadly triangular, usually divided into 3 sections, each with small, elongated segments with minute spore-sacs along the margin.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Throughout.
Where Found
Forest or natural areas in open woods; weedy in disturbed areas in fields, roadsides.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts, fiddleheads (curled-up leaves).
Symptoms
Weakness, high fever, incoordination, convulsions.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Unfurled fronds HARVEST TIME: Only collect fronds from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. Gather young fiddleheads in the early spring, as soon as they first appear. The fronds tend to get tough and bitter as time progresses. They should still be very tightly curled. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Soak fronds in warm water to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Remove the brownish, papery scales by rubbing with the hands. Soak for several hours in lightly salted water. Cook for 20 minutes on low heat in a pan filled with about 1/2 inch water. Drain well and serve like greens. SOURCE: A. Crowhurst. 1972. The Weed Cookbook. Lancer Publishing. New York, 190 pp.
Toxic Principle
Thiaminase, a proteinaceous enzyme causing a reduction in vitamin B1; also a glycoside.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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