Beautiful article by Catherine Boeckmann addressing the history, healing and symbolism among cultures of our beloved fiddlehead fern: A beautiful fern in the fern garden at Como Park in Minneapolis. Jasanna Czellar Ferns are fascinating! This ancient family of plants—which lived BEFORE dinosaurs walked the Earth—has a prominent place in folklore and legend. Discover fern symbolism, healing powers, growing tips, and even recipes for cooking the young fiddlehead fern! WHAT ARE FIDDLEHEADS? In April, young ferns sprout from wet soil here in New Hampshire, appearing bright green against the decaying leaves. These are the fiddleheads, so-called because the very tops—furled tight when young—look like the tuning end of a fiddle. Fiddlehead ferns are the popular name for Ostrich ferns ( Matteuccia struthiopteris ) which grow in central and eastern North America. Ferns require liquid water to reproduce, so you’ll often find them near streams and moist, forested areas. Many Na
