ABSTRACT
Although Moerman (1998) and Balick et al. (2000) separate Pteridium aquilinum var. caudatum into Pteridium caudatum, Wunderlin (1998) retains both as a single species. Regardless, P. aquilinum is widespread and was used by people from Alaska to Mexico and Florida. Among the relatives of Florida people, the Koasati made a decoction of the roots for chest pain (Taylor 1940). The Seminoles used the plant for “Turkey Sickness” (permanently bent toes and fingers) (Sturtevant 1955). Murphee (1965) found people in the Panhandle making a tea from the plants to treat burns.
