Ferns
Ferns, which are part of the Phylum Pterophyta, have true roots, leaves and stems! Their leaves are called fronds and their roots are call rhizomes. Unlike mosses they have xylem and phloem therefore they are seedless vascular plants that require little light, which is why they are therefore mostly found in dark, moist environments. To reproduce ferns undergo alternation of generations.
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Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Pedatum)
- native to north america
- leaflets are a bright green, while the stem is dark brown or black
- used in tea to relieve numerous problems such as: whooping cough, bronchitis, kidney stones & hair loss
- native american's put it on wounds to stop bleeding as well as used the dark pigment of the stems to make dye
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Fiddlehead Fern (Pteridium aquilinum)
- used often in french, asian, & north american cuisine
- located throughout north america & around the world
- contains unknown toxins known to cause nausea
- can grow in fields, forests, and brushy areas
- every spring the fronds regrow since they cannot survive the winter
Interesting facts
- Did you know that there are roughly 12000 different species of Ferns in the world!
- Fossils show that ferns appeared over 360 million years ago at the end of the Devenian period
- Fern Families we see today appeared in the early Cretaceous period, 145 million years ago
- The tops of the Fiddlehead ferns can be enjoyed as a culinary delight!
- In the Pacific Northwest, Natives chew on Licorice ferns for a tasty treat
- Recently, ferns have been involved in research for their ability to clear the air of chemical pollutants
- Ferns are also useful in removing heavy metals from soil
- While some ferns are saving the world, the Giant Water fern (Salvinia Molesta) is one of the worst aquatic weed