Bracken are native deciduous ferns. They are found in abundance growing on acidic moorland, pastures and open woodland. The word bracken is of Norse origin meaning fern. Bracken ferns have been eaten in many cultures as a vegetable and is still eaten in East Asian cultures. It is eaten cooked or pickled. Animals can be poisoned if they consume too much of it. It has also been used traditionally as bedding for animals. The used bedding would break down and form a good mulch for vegetable beds.