Ferns 
Of the 8,000 known species of ferns in the 
world, and of the 250 species in United States and 
Canada, we have 14 to offer. These are sometimes 
wanted by collectors; they can start the new col- 
lection; but the main use for most friends of this 
Farm is to garnish the wild flower garden, the 
borders, byways and copses of the home grounds. 
Ferns, like the Ciub Mosses, are descended from 
giant fern trees of the Carboniferous periods, a 
hundred or more million years ago, solidified into 
the coal of this region. 
F a cf 
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Beech Fern, Broad (Phegopteris hexagonoptera). Strik- 
ing feature is the breadth of the triangular frond, 4 
to 6 inches, especially attractive in quantity. New 
plantings develop the massed effect by extensive 
branching and creeping of the wiry roots, just be- 
neath the surface. .This fern likes deep shade, with 
dry, neutral soil. 25c each. 
Bracken (Pteridium latiusculum). The soft-green frond 
spreads, hand-like, at the top of a stout stalk, 1 to 3 
feet high. Grows luxuriantly, sending up the showy 
fronds all summer. Found in thickets, on hillsides, in 
moderately acid soil; also in sterile, sandy, dry soil, 
in shade or sunlight. Roots are deep and wide creep- 
ing, about the size of a pencil, with tough cord and 
brittle casing. The root starch appeals to swine, whence 
a popular name, “Hog Brake.” The plant has pro- 
vided many human uses, too, such as thatch, stable 
bedding, and material for packing and basket weaving. 
Young fronds and roasted rootstalk have been eaten 
and the starch has been extracted. “Burning the 
Bracken” was an English custom to bring rain and 
drive witches away. 25c each. 
Brittle Fern (Cystopteris fragilis). A small but prolific 
fern, producing fronds all summer. Fronds are 4 to 
12 inches long. It owes its name to the brittleness of 
its main stems. Rootstalk has many rootlets, which 
creep into crevices, delighting in a shaded rockery. 
Should be planted with the crown just even with the 
surface. It is satisfied with average summer rain, 
tends to shrivel in drouth, but recovers with new 
fronds when it gets another drink. Best soil condition 
is called circumneutral. The earliest fern of all, com- 
ing up with the spring flowers. The fresh fronds are 
slender, finely cut, and a bright emerald green. 25c each. 
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides). Shining, 
dark green fronds, 5 to 20 inches long, with ladder- 
like pinne, or leaflets. The pinne are half-dagger- 
shaped, with a spur on one side near the stem. It is 
called “Dagger Fern” by the florist trade. It is so 
popular for Christmas and cut-flower use that exterm- 
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