Bracken, a coarse-leafed fern, is a common site across heaths and hills where it flourishes on the dry margins. It’s also a gift for flower arrangers at this time of year, when the fronds have all turned a deep brown but are still dry enough to gather.  Here, we take a look at how floral designers are using this beautiful—and free—material.

Photo by Sarah Statham

Photo by Kasia Borowiecka

In an arrangement by Kasia Borowiecka, autumn’s intense hues are combined to maximum effect.

Photo by Leigh Chappell

Bracken can be mixed in with fresh flowers, but it looks equally good combined with dry materials, too. Leigh Chappell combines rusty fronds with dried lavender, dried grasses ,and seedheads.

Photo by Leigh Chappell

Another view of Chappell's dry wreath.

Photo by Sarah Statham

In an old barn neighboring her Yorkshire studio, Sarah Statham uses single fronds of bracken suspended in the windows.

Photo by Sarah Statham

No placement decor? A tiny bracken frond makes a delicate and elegant addition to any table.