// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Western bracken fern

Pteridium aquilinum

Western bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 1a–13a. Mature size 1'–4'.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 50 U.S. states, including AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO…
USDA hardiness: Zones 1a–13a
Mature size: 1'–4'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: —
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Western bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) — *Pteridium aquilinum* — Western bracken fern. Photo by Rasbak via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Western bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 1a–13a. Mature size 1'–4'. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, western bracken fern pairs naturally with: Common selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), Coon's tail (Ceratophyllum demersum), Leafy pondweed (Potamogeton foliosus), Leafy pondweed (Potamogeton foliosus ssp. foliosus).