Fern - Matteuccia struthiopteris - Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris provides excellent habitat and shelter for small wildlife and beneficial insects. The dense fronds offer hiding spots for frogs, toads, and small mammals. While not known for attracting pollinators, the Ostrich Fern contributes to the ecological balance of woodland gardens and shaded areas.

• Seasonality: Deciduous; dies back in winter and regrows in spring.
• Flowering Season: Ferns do not produce flowers. Instead, they reproduce via spores, which appear on specialized fertile fronds in late summer to early fall.

Woodland or shade gardens

Moist riverbanks or stream edges

Rain gardens or damp naturalized areas

Fern gardens and underplanting for shade trees

Edible landscapes (for spring fiddlehead harvest)

Type: Deciduous, feather-like fronds (pinnate)

Shape: Erect, vase-shaped, arching outward from a central crown

Color: Bright green, turning golden brown in fall

Special Feature: In spring, new fronds emerge as tight, curled fiddleheads, edible when harvested young

Fertile Fronds: Appear in late summer, are stiffer, dark brown, and persist through winter

The Ostrich Fern produces large, arching fronds that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The fronds are bright green and finely divided, giving them a feathery, plume-like appearance. The sterile fronds form a vase-like shape, while the shorter, fertile fronds appear in the center of the plant in late summer, turning brown and remaining upright through winter. The foliage adds height, texture, and a tropical feel to any shaded landscape.

• Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or fall when temperatures are cooler, allowing the fern to establish its roots.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers rich, well-drained, consistently moist soil. It thrives in damp areas, such as along streambanks or in low-lying garden spots. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost, improves moisture retention.
• Spacing: Space plants 3-5 feet apart to allow for mature spread and to create a dramatic, naturalized effect.

Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the fern in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
3. Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
4. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is minimal for the Ostrich Fern. Remove dead or damaged fronds in late fall or early spring to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage healthy new growth. The brown, fertile fronds can be left standing through winter for added interest or cut back once they turn brown.

The Ostrich Fern thrives in consistently moist to wet soil and requires regular watering, especially during hot, dry periods. This fern is ideal for boggy areas or near water features, where the soil remains damp. It is less tolerant of dry soil, so ensure regular watering during dry spells.

Thrives in partial to full shade. Ostrich Ferns can tolerate morning sun, but they perform best in shaded areas with dappled light or deep shade. Too much direct sunlight can cause the fronds to scorch and the plant to dry out, so it is ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders.

The early spring "fiddleheads" of the Ostrich Fern are edible and are considered a delicacy in some cuisines. Harvest the young, tightly coiled fronds before they unfurl, ensuring they are properly cooked before consumption. Fiddleheads should only be harvested from mature plants to avoid damaging the fern’s growth cycle.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. While the Ostrich Fern is relatively low-maintenance, adding compost or mulch helps to enrich the soil and maintain moisture levels throughout the growing season.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: The Ostrich Fern is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a reliable choice for low-maintenance gardens.

• Winter Care: In colder climates, the fern will die back in winter, but no special winter care is required. The brown, fertile fronds can be left standing for winter interest or removed to keep the garden tidy.

Matteuccia struthiopteris does not reproduce via pollination.

It reproduces via spores, which are produced on separate fertile fronds (upright, brown in color).

These spores are wind-dispersed and develop into gametophytes in moist conditions.

Ostrich ferns thrive in moist, shady conditions and pair well with other shade-loving, moisture-loving plants:

– Broad, contrasting foliage adds texture and color

– Provides fluffy floral spikes and thrives in similar conditions

– Large, dramatic foliage mirrors the bold fern form

– Tall spikes and bold leaves pair beautifully

– Spreads well at the base of ferns and adds soft blooms

– Heart-shaped leaves and spring flowers offer season-long interest

– Spotted leaves and early blooms

– Offers vertical flower interest in dappled shade