Tall fronds unfurl in late April-early May, giving a wonderful canopy of contrast to blooming ephemerals.This large yet elegant vase-shaped fern is very popular and often planted in open shade gardens. The long arching light-medium green leaves are slender at their bases and widen dramatically before their tips, thus its namesake. Spreads widely by underground runners. A deciduous (non-evergreen) fern.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Ostrich Fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Plant Type: Ferns
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Photo: Randy Tindall

Sun Exposure
Medium Sun/Average Shade, Shade

Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High

Nature Attracting

Wildlife Benefit
Cover

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
2 to
4
feet
Spread:
2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 2 to
4
feet
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 2 to
4
feet
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Great colonizing groundcover in an open shade area. Adds great interest due to height and texture.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Prefers open shade and moist, humus rich soil. Will tolerate some sun if kept moist. Leaf mulch will benefit its growth tremendously.
Special Features
Special Usage
Ground Cover
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.