Matteuccia struthiopteris
Ostrich Fern (Fiddlehead)
- Upright, arching habit
- Spreads by shallow underground rhizomes
- Use as ground cover in woodland gardens
- Category: Fern
- Hardiness Zone: 3-7
- Height: 3-6 ft
- Spread: 3-4 ft
North American native plant. Plants form a large, upright clump of big green fronds. Requires plenty of water through the summer, otherwise the foliage may become dormant.
Foliage Color
| • | Green |
Attributes
| • | Border or Bed |
| • | Cut Flower/Foliage |
| • | Great Foliage |
| • | Ground Cover |
| • | Low Maintenance |
| • | Mass Planting |
| • | Native |
| • | Naturalizing |
| • | Water's Edge / Bog Plant |
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Matteuccia struthiopteris
Native to marshy areas and creekbeds, Ostrich ferns prefer to be grown in moist, humus-rich soil with a neutral pH. If planted in cool, moist locations, they will tolerate full sun. In general, however, they prefer open shade.