Matteuccia struthiopteris
Matteuccia struthiopteris photo courtesy of Walters Gardens
Ostrich Fern

The deep green fronds of Matteuccia struthiopteris are shaped like ostrich plumes, much wider at the top and tapering to a bare stipe. The foliage turns bronze in the fall and brown in the winter. This native fern needs lots of space to grow as it spreads rapidly by underground runners. In the spring the new shoots, known as Fiddleheads, can be harvested for eating.

  • Height: 91 - 183 cm (36 - 72 in)
  • Spread: 91 - 122 cm (36 - 48 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 3
  • Sun or Shade: partial shade to filtered shade
  • Bloom Time: grown only for foliage
  • Leaf Colour: dark green
  • Bloom Colour: does not flower
  • Critter Resistance: deer and rabbits

Growing and Maintenance Tips

In their native habitat Ostrich Ferns grow in marshy areas and creek beds. To provide ideal conditions in the garden they need lots of moisture or they will go summer dormant. Amending the soil with organic material is helpful because it retains moisture and provides the food these plants need to grow tall and remain lush. If they are happy they will rapidly colonize an area by underground runners. Leave old foliage on to protect the crowns. Remove this foliage early in the spring, because when the fronds start to sprout, they do so very rapidly.

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