At first glance, it might seem a little strange that so many gardeners want Bracken Fern (Adlerfarn) nowhere near their yards. I get it—those fronds are actually really beautiful! But here’s the catch: not only is this plant a total space-hog that spreads like wildfire, it’s also highly toxic to both people and pets.
Even breathing it in is risky
The toxicity of Bracken Fern isn’t just an issue if someone takes a bite; even breathing in the spores can be dangerous. If you have kids or pets running around, you’ll want to act fast to get rid of it. The good news? Natural methods usually work much better than reaching for heavy-duty chemicals.
Don’t wait to take action
When it comes to Bracken, speed is your best friend. As I mentioned, this fern reproduces via spores rather than flowers or fruit. It starts prepping for world domination right at the beginning of the growing season. Plus, it doesn’t just rely on spores—it also spreads underground through a very persistent root system.
The best ways to fight back
The most effective way to show Bracken Fern the exit is regular mowing. At the very least, you need to mow it down once in June and again at the end of July. After mowing, it helps to roll over or flatten any remaining plant parts. Here are a few more pro-tips:
- Spread some lime (ferns absolutely hate lime).
- Snap the fronds and sprinkle a little salt on the breaks.
- If you can, try to let more sunlight into the area—Bracken loves the shade.
A few more options
If you’re feeling ambitious, the most effective method is to pull up the rhizomes (the underground stems) or dig out the entire plant. If digging isn’t an option, you need to starve the leftovers of water. Your best bet is to cover the area with a heavy-duty plastic tarp for an extended period to dry it out.
