Western Brackenfern

Western Brackenfern
Pteridium aquilinum

 

Brackenfern is easy to identify.  Unlike most other ferns, it tends to grow in large colonies in open dry areas.  Each individual plant has one stem and a double compound triangular leaf.

While Ostrich Fern is the preferred fiddlehead of culinary renown, the Brackenfern fiddleheads are also edible.  There is some concern that it contains a carcinogenic compound, ptaquiloside, but its deleterious effects can be minimized if prepared properly - check it out at the Honest Food Net. I've never had fiddleheads. If I had a bucket list, I would put that on the list.