The fern has been associated with myth and mystery for centuries, but the Victorians took their appreciation for this plant species to new levels. I discuss some events and circumstances that led to pteridomania (“fern fever”), as well as ways in which the magical fern was incorporated into the everyday lives of millions of Victorians.

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References

American Fern Society. https://www.amerfernsoc.org

Brain, Jessica. “The Wardian Case.” https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Wardian-Case/

Britannica. “Fern.” https://www.britannica.com/plant/fern

Castelow, Ellen. “Pteridomania – Fern Madness.” https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Pteridomania-Fern-Madness/

Green, Cynthia. “When Ferns Were All The Rage.” https://daily.jstor.org/when-ferns-were-all-the-rage/

Hamilton, E.L. “Victorian Ladies used Ferns as a Covert way to Express Passion and Desire.” https://www.thevintagenews.com/2018/05/29/victorian-ferns/?safari=1

Kingsley, Charles. Glaucus, or the Wonders of the Shore. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/695/695-h/695-h.htm

Morris Arboretum (University of Pennsylvania). “The Fernery.” https://www.morrisarboretum.org/gardens-trees/garden-features/fernery

Mueller, Nora. “In Pursuit of Madness: ‘Pteridomania’ and The Historic Fascination With Ferns.” https://gardencollage.com/wander/gardens-parks/ferb-obsession/

Nikolaidou, Dimitra. “How the Victorian Fern-Hunting Craze Led To Adventure, Romance, and Crime.” https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/how-the-victorian-fern-hunting-craze-led-to-adventure-romance-and-crime

Symbolism and Metaphor. “Fern Symbolism & Meaning (Invisibility & Fortune).” https://symbolismandmetaphor.com/fern-symbolism-meaning/

Wikipedia. “Henry Bradbury.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Bradbury

Wikipedia. “Nature printing.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_printing

Wikipedia. “Pteridomania.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pteridomania

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