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Tall, vase-shaped fronds of Ostrich Fern.

Type

Native

Sunlight Type

Full Shade, Part Sun / Shade

Soil Type

Rich & Moist, Tolerates Wet / Poor Drainage

Attracts

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Benefits 

Edible, Showy Foliage, Deer Resistant, Aggressive Spreader

The Jurassic Fern

Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is the grandest of our native ferns. It forms a massive, vase-shaped clump that can reach 4 to 5 feet tall in wet conditions. In spring, the tightly curled "fiddleheads" emerge and are a gourmet delicacy (if harvested correctly). It gives a lush, prehistoric look to any shade garden.

Why You Need It:

  • Edible Fiddleheads: Grow your own gourmet spring treat.
  • Impressive Size: Creates an instant tropical effect in cool climates.
  • Colony Former: Spreads by runners to fill large shady areas quickly.

Planting Tips:

Thrives in Full Shade to Part Shade with Moist Soil. It loves wet feet and is perfect for riverbanks or wet ditches. It will go dormant if the soil dries out in summer.

     

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