Ferns - The Mundane and Magical 101
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Working with my local land more has taught me to source local plants and connect with them. By properly taking care of it and working the land. That also means connecting with local plant spirits.
The Fern is one of those species of plants. This wonderful herb is abundant, protective and hold much wisdom for they are very old. With some dating back to 360 million years (or so they say). It is known some species can live up to a hundred years.
They are full of wisdom, you might just learn something from them if you actively work with them as a spirit.
Scientific Name:
Family: Pteridophyte
Parts used: For species of Fern it varies
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
CAUTIONS: ALWAYS check with your local herbalist and doctor before consuming any medicinal medicine as they will be able to direct you on proper dosages. Some medications can also interact and so can some conditions with certain herbs.
IMPORTANT: Some Ferns are harmful (like the Pteridium genus aka Bracken Fern) to the airways and can let off spores that can harm or cause death in immunocompromised people. Always be wary of Fern species around pets as well. Source and research responsibly.
Uses in Herbalism and Healing:
- Certain Fern species are used to treat different ailments. Ex. Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) used for arthritis while Maidenhair Speenwort (Asplenium tricomanes) is used for coughs.
- Always check which fern species is used as some can counteract and aren't always used for the same ailment.
- On a fun note, Fiddlehead Ferns are used from a culinary standpoint and are quite delicious when prepared correctly.
Uses in Magic:
- When placed in the home, it is said to hold protective properties, and when planted at the doorstep.
- Dried Fern, when burned, carries exorcism properties.
- Some folklore speaks that when Fern is burned outside, it causes rainfall.
- When carried or worn, Fern has the power to guide to treasure.
- Some Celtic and Irish legends speak of Ferns being used in from healing to magic.
- A Slavic folk tale speaks of a flower on a fern that blooms for a very short time on the eve of the summer solstice. It is said it brings fortune to the person who finds it. In some tales, it allows humans to understand animals talking. It is guarded by malevolent entities. Though the one who succeeds in gathering it can receive earthly riches, that attainment has always brought unlucky energy to the poor soul, so some leave it alone.
Recipes:
A very yummy recipe using Fiddlehead ferns. Check it out!
Sources and extra reading material:
Please remember while I provide sources, some content is my own UPG from working for years intuitively with this herbal ally. What you do not see from my sources assume it is my UPG and take what information you will. Always cross-reference and research yourself. All medical knowledge will be sourced.
Medical Links:
Cao, H., Chai, T., Wang, X., B. Morais-Braga, M. F., Yang, H., Wong, C., Wang, R., Yao, H., Cao, J., Cornara, L., Burlando, B., Wang, Y., Xiao, J., & M. Coutinho, H. D. (2017). Phytochemicals from fern species: Potential for medicine applications. Phytochemistry Reviews, 16(3), 379-440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-016-9488-7
Rozie. (2022, April 6). Medicinal Benefits of Ferns. Permaculture. https://www.permaculture.co.uk/articles/medicinal-benefits-of-ferns/
Foraged. (2023). The History and Culture of Fiddleheads in Culinary Traditions - Foraged - Foraged. Foraged. https://www.foraged.com/blog/the-history-and-culture-of-fiddleheads-in-culinary-traditions
Spiritual:
Books:
Cunningham, S. (2013). Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of magical herbs. Llewellyn Publications.
Links:
View. (2020, October). Fern Folklore and Magical Properties. Marble Crow. https://marblecrowblog.com/2020/10/01/fern-folklore-and-magical-properties/
Wikipedia Contributors. (2025, November 9). Fern flower. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation.