There are three main species of edible ferns in North America: ostrich fern Matteucia struthiopteris, lady fern Athyrium filix-femina, and bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum. All of them are widespread and, in certain areas, abundant.

Edible ferns are identifiable by their trademark quarter-sized fiddleheads. These coiled young ferns are bright green and appear in early spring in shaded or wet areas. Even though some ferns produce carcinogenic toxins, all fiddleheads are considered safe to eat in moderation with thorough cooking.

None of the fiddlehead ferns of eastern and central North America previously have been reported to be poisonous (3). Although some ferns may be carcinogenic (4), the ostrich fern has been considered to be safe to eat either raw or cooked (5-9).

Bracken fern is a delicacy consumed by humans and serves as animal forage around the world. It is said to be the 5th most common plant, an important toxic plant and the only higher plant known to cause cancer in animals.

Ferns as Companion Plants: Ferns make wonderful companion plants to other ferns, Ajuga, Astilbe, Bergenia, barren strawberry, black lily-turf, European ginger, Galium, Geranium, Heuchera, hostas-especially blue leaved and variegated forms, Lamium, sedges, wintergreen, and wildflowers.

Most shady perennials like astilbes (Astilbe spp. and cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 3–8) and meadow rues (Thalictrum spp. and cvs., Zones 3–10) are excellent color companions for hostas, but they bloom only for a few weeks. Use shade-tolerant annuals like impatiens (Impatiens walleriana cvs.), nicotiana (Nicotiana spp.

Hostas for Full Sun In general, yellow or gold hostas tolerate partially sunny location without losing their vibrant yellow color. About two hours of daily sun exposure will keep these yellow or golden beauties looking their best. Aim for morning sun to avoid burned leaves.

Hosta varieties with extensive white coloration or with thin leaves are likely to burn in full sun. In general, blue-leaf hostas require shade, while those with fragrant flowers, gold or yellow foliage or slight white variegation can tolerate more sun.

The American Hosta Society recommends cutting off each scape after three-fourths of the flower buds have opened; this keeps the plants from diverting energy into setting seeds for the next year so instead they’ll grow more roots and leaves.

10 Best Ground Covers for Full Sun

• 01 of 10. Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis)
• 02 of 10. ‘Six Hills Giant’ Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)
• 03 of 10. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
• 04 of 10. Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)
• 05 of 10. Yellow Alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis)
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• 08 of 10.