Plant Diversity


What is a fiddlehead fern?

A fiddlehead is a type of fern composed of a rhizome (an underground stem that grows horizontally) that produces roots and leaves called fronds. As each young frond emerges from the ground, it is tightly coiled and resembles the top of a violin, hence the name fiddlehead. Cooks have also been known to enjoy fiddleheads—cooking the fern by steaming, simmering, or sautéing, and even raw in salads. The fern has a chewy texture and is said to taste like a cross between okra, asparagus, and green beans.

