Ferns

Ferns are a particular species of plants that are different than our standard notion of what a plant is. We tend to picture plants a certain way, but ferns don't fit the mold of a standard plant. They do have leaf fronds, a root like system that takes in nutrients, and a stem. However, they are in a different class compared to other plants. Ferns tend to grow in areas that are wet. It has been said that if you purchase land with ferns on it, if you build a house it may have water problems. That is because water needs to be close to the surface in order for ferns to get their nourishment.

There is a certain mystery attached to ferns. They are fascinating. When we picture the Prehistoric Age or the time when dinosaurs roamed the earth, we often envision ferns as being the main plant. In viewing artist renditions of that time period there tends to be ferns drawn right with the dinosaurs, sort of as a background. We tend to think of ferns as being prehistoric plants. They were probably around when the dinosaurs were around and that is one of the reasons why there is this element of mystery surrounding them.

Certain ferns are often edible. The state of Maine is one that serves fiddleheads. These are ferns that have just pushed up from the soil and are still coiled. They taste good sautéed or added to omelets. If you are interested in eating ferns in this way, it is a good idea to consult with an expert or a field guide to make sure you are eating the right fiddleheads. They are delicious and safe to eat, but only if you pick the right ones. There are also some great recipes out there that you may be interested in.

There are a lot of things to learn about ferns. They are interesting. One of the most fascinating aspects of this plant species is how they've evolved. Learning about this sort of plays in to the fascination we have of dinosaurs. There have been some fern fossils found in that are from the early-Carboniferous period. This is the first time ferns have appeared in fossils, at least those that have been found. However, there is a lot to learn about ferns.