Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) [mah-TOO-kee-ah stroo-thee-OP-ter-iss] |
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| Other Names | Shuttlecock Fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris 'Ostrich Fern', FERN Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich), Matteuccia struthiopteris, Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich), FERN - OSTRICH, Matteuccia pennsylvanica 1 Gal., F, Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich), Matteuccia struthiopteris - Ostrich, F, Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich)-#1 Pot, F, Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich)-04 Pot, Fern, Ostrich, Matteuccia pennsylvanica |
| Family | Onocleaceae |
| Teaser | Ostrich Fern captivates with its lush, feathery fronds that unfurl in a graceful, arching display, adding a touch of elegance to any garden. This hardy perennial thrives in moist, shaded areas, making it a perfect choice for woodland landscapes. |
| Why Like | In May, this ornamental fern puts on a Jurassic show at the north end of the woods, with graceful fronds unfolding 3+ feet straight up, and eventually arching down. |
| Description |
Matteuccia struthiopteris, commonly called ostrich fern, is a dramatic and versatile native perennial that can make a striking addition to shade gardens and naturalized areas. This clump-forming fern features large, arching fronds that can reach up to 6 feet tall, giving it a distinctive, ostrich-like appearance. Ostrich fern prefers consistently moist, well-drained, acidic soil and partial to full shade, making it well-suited for planting along streams, ponds, or under the canopy of trees. Its vigorous, spreading habit allows it to be used as a groundcover or planted in mass to create lush, textural backdrops. The fronds maintain their bright green color throughout the growing season before turning golden brown in fall. Ostrich fern also works nicely when incorporated into woodland gardens, cottage gardens, or shaded border plantings to add bold, architectural interest. |
| Named Cultivars | Matteuccia struthiopteris 'Jumbo', Matteuccia struthiopteris 'The King' |
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| Plant Data | |
| I am a... | Deciduous Perennial Upright |
| Mature Size | 4 - 6 feet tall. 24 - 36 inches wide. |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Sun Exposure | Full Shade - Full Shade |
| Moisture Tolerance | Medium - Wet: It is essential to water your Ostrich Fern often to maintain medium to wet conditions during the hot season. If the plant doesn’t get enough moisture, its foliage can go dormant too early. |
| Zones | 4a - 8b |
| Tags | Accent, Alpine Garden, Butterfly Garden, Clay Soil, Container, Cut Flowers, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Eclectic Garden, Fast Growth Rate, Ferns, Grown for Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Mass, Moist Soil, Normal Soil, Perennial, Rabbit Resistant, Sandy Soil, Thornless, Well-Drained Soil, Wet Site Tolerant |
| Foliage Color | Green
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More Photos: Google Image Search & Flickr |
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