Pteridium aquilinum, Bracken

Bracken is a species of fern which grows at a very fast rate and has very invasive habit. It has various uses including ornamental in borders, woodland gardens etc. It is one of the most widespread plants in the world and is being found in all parts of the globe excluding extreme north and south. This one for example grows in Longford Park in Manchester in not very extreme conditions and in fact in highly maintained area of the park. The soil is moist and well drain. The plant has south east exposure and is partially sheltered from a low brick wall from north. It reaches plenty of sunlight. The leaves are already dead and the plant is preparing for the winter. It looks to be overgrowing this corner of the house footprint. It lives in a close relationship with cotoneaster and ivy plants and it is already starting to inhibit them. The plants can be cut down twice a year to provide compost and it would not kill them, but if they are cut more regularly this will weaken them and eventually they will die. This bracken looks to be self-seeded although it might have been planted intentionally but neglected afterwards. It does have an ornamental function but if not managed soon it will overtake big part of this area.