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Weed Identification

western brackenfern

Family

Dennstaedtiaceae

Scientific Name

Pteridium aquilinum

Other Common Names:

tailed bracken
western bracken
eagle fern
bracken fern
bracken

Growth Habit

upright and nonwoody

Thorns or Spines

not present

Leaf Hairs

no hairs

Leaf Shape

Varies: 
oval
triangle

Leaf Arrangement

alternate

Leaf Margin

entire

Leaf Structure

pinnate

Leaf Stalk

none

Stem Hairs

no hairs

Stem Cross Section

round or oval

Milky Sap

not present

Root Structure

rhizomes present

Life Cycle

perennial

Ochrea

not present

Plant Type

Fern