Ostrich Fern

(Matteuccia struthiopteris)

Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Matteuccia struthiopteris, commonly known as Ostrich Fern, is a deciduous perennial herb native to rich, moist forests and stream banks in temperate regions of North America and Eurasia. It is one of the largest fern species in eastern North America, alongside Dryopteris goldieana. Ostrich Fern typically grows to a height of 2-6 feet and a width of 2-3 feet, with a vase-like clump of gracefully arching fronds resembling ostrich plumes. The fronds are bright green, turning a golden hue in fall before dying back to the ground in winter.

Ostrich Fern is valued for its dramatic foliage and is often used in shaded garden areas, woodland plantings, and along water features. It is easy to maintain once established, requiring little care beyond ensuring consistent moisture. Ostrich Fern prefers partial to full shade, thrives in moist, humus-rich soil, and benefits from good drainage. While it is a vigorous grower, gardeners should be aware that it can spread rapidly via underground rhizomes, potentially becoming aggressive in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Fern
  • Height: 2-6 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Slow

Common Uses

Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Rich, moist forests and stream banks in temperate regions of North America and Eurasia

Other Names

Common Names: Fiddlehead Fern , Fiddleheads , Strudsvinge , Straußenfarn , Straußfarn , Kotkansiipi , Matteuccie , Fougère Autruche , Fougère De L’Autruche , Fougère À L’Autruche

Scientific Names: Matteuccia struthiopteris , Onoclea struthiopteris , Struthiopteris germanica var. pensylvanica , Struthiopteris nodulosa var. pubescens

GBIF Accepted Name: Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Tod.