Matteuccia struthiopteris

Ostrich Fern


Photo courtesy of Prides Corner Farms

  • Upright vase shaped form
  • Soft and delicate green-grey fronds
  • Resembles a small palm tree at times
  • Provide bird cover
  • Thrives in shade but does equally well in sun if provided with moisture
Cold Tolerant
Cold Tolerant
Great Foliage
Great Foliage
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Mass Planting
Mass Planting
Native
Native
Salt Tolerant
Salt Tolerant
Water's Edge / Bog Plant
Water's Edge / Bog Plant

Clump-forming, upright, rhizomatus, deciduous fern. Finely dissected, green, vegetative fronds form a vase shape with fertile, spike-like, brown fronds in the center. Great in woodland gardens or wet areas near streams and ponds. 



Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Prefers rich to average soil with consistent moisture and part to full shade. Do not allow soil to dry out, tolerates wet soil. Spreads by rhizomes to form colonies in good conditions.  Prefers cool summer climates, avoid planting in windy sites. Divide in spring when clumps become crowded.


Height: 3-6 ft
Spread: 5-8 ft
Price Level 1: $19.99 ea.~#1
Bloom Color: Non-Flowering
Zone: 3-7
 

Additional Characteristics & Attributes:


Attributes:

  • Mass Planting
  • Water's Edge / Bog Plant
  • Native
  • Great Foliage
  • Cold Tolerant
  • Naturalizing
  • Low Maintenance
  • Salt Tolerant

Critter Resistance:

  • Rabbit Resistant
  • Deer Resistant

Exposure:

  • Partial Sun
  • Full Shade

Habit:

  • Upright

Foliage Color:

  • Green

Attracts Wildlife:

  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Attracts Butterflies

Soil Moisture:

  • Wet Soil/Wetlands
  • Keep Well-Watered
  • Moist, Well-Drained
  • Water Garden


Genus Overview: Matteuccia

Common Name: Ostrich Fern

Clump-forming, upright, rhizomatus, deciduous fern. Finely dissected, green, vegetative fronds form a vase shape with fertile, spike-like, brown fronds in the center. Great in woodland gardens or wet areas near streams and ponds.