Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum)

A glue can be made from the rootstock[74].

A brown dye is obtained from the fronds[6, 67, 141]. It is green according to another report[141].

The fibrous remnants from edible roots make a good tinder[99].

The rhizome lathers readily in water and can be used as a soap[74]. A decoction of the root has been used as a hair wash[257].

The roots have been rubbed into the scalp in order to promote hair growth[257].

The roots have been pounded to remove the bark, then split into flat bands and used as the black strands of cheap baskets[257].

The ashes of the plant are rich in potassium and could be used as a fertilizer[4]. They are also used in the manufacture of glass (when mixed with sand) and in making soap (when mixed with vegetable oil)[4, 74]. The roots contain up to 20% potash in early summer, but this reduces to about 5% in the autumn[4].

The whole plant is a very valuable addition to the compost heap, it is rich in potash and makes an excellent compost for tree seeds[67, 94]. Cut twice a year if you want the plants to continue growing, three cuts annually will weaken and eventually kill off the plants.

The dried ferns produce a very durable thatch[4].

The leaves are used as a packing material for fruit, keeping it fresh and cool without imparting any colour or flavour[4, 66, 99]. They are also used as a lining for baskets, fruit drying racks etc and as a bedding[66, 99]. The leaves repel insects and can help to prevent rot in the fruits etc[99].

Dried bracken fronds are very useful in the garden as a mulch for somewhat tender plants. This will keep the soil warmer, protect from wind damage and also keep off some of the rain[4, K].