Add this to the end of your internet search terms and the results will be limited to university sites. That way, you'll get research-based information rather than people's opinions:
Add this to the end of your internet search terms and the results will be limited to university sites. That way, you'll get research-based information rather than people's opinions:
Ostrich ferns can be confused with other similar ferns such as the bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum. ... In contrast, the bracken fiddlehead has a fuzzy stem and lacks the U-shaped groove. It is important to be able to identify ferns down to species because some species, like the bracken fern, are known to be carcinogenic.
Harvesting Fiddleheads on Woodlots - Ontario Woodlot Association https://www.ontariowoodlot.com/publications/.../harvesting-fiddleheads-on-woodlots
It is important to learn which ones you can eat - some are toxic and some are believed carcinogenic.
Even then fiddleheads must be cooked properly as you can get sick. Our stores now post warnings with their products (finally!)
Read-research all you can - what I've checked out so far is good advice.