Matteucia struthiopteris / OSTRICH FERN
The Ostrich Fern (Matteucia struthiopteris) is a large, graceful fern known for its distinctive, feathery fronds that resemble the plumes of an ostrich's tail, giving the plant its name. Its bright green fronds emerge in a tightly coiled fiddlehead shape in early spring, unfurling into tall, arching leaves that can reach up to three feet in length, creating a dramatic, elegant display. Thriving in moist, shaded environments, Ostrich Ferns are commonly found in woodlands, along streams, and in other damp, cool locations, making them ideal for shaded garden beds or naturalized landscapes. In late spring to early summer, the fern produces fertile fronds that stand upright and bear spores, distinguishing them from the sterile fronds that create the plant's signature arching shape. This hardy, low-maintenance fern is prized for its ability to add lush greenery and texture to shade gardens, where it thrives with minimal care.
· ORIGIN - Southeast Native
· EXPOSURE PREFERENCE - shade
· FLOWER COLOR - n/a
· HEIGHT - 2-3 ft
· HABIT - deciduous
· MOISTURE - moist soil
· HARDINESS ZONES - 3-7
The Ostrich Fern (Matteucia struthiopteris) is a large, graceful fern known for its distinctive, feathery fronds that resemble the plumes of an ostrich's tail, giving the plant its name. Its bright green fronds emerge in a tightly coiled fiddlehead shape in early spring, unfurling into tall, arching leaves that can reach up to three feet in length, creating a dramatic, elegant display. Thriving in moist, shaded environments, Ostrich Ferns are commonly found in woodlands, along streams, and in other damp, cool locations, making them ideal for shaded garden beds or naturalized landscapes. In late spring to early summer, the fern produces fertile fronds that stand upright and bear spores, distinguishing them from the sterile fronds that create the plant's signature arching shape. This hardy, low-maintenance fern is prized for its ability to add lush greenery and texture to shade gardens, where it thrives with minimal care.
· ORIGIN - Southeast Native
· EXPOSURE PREFERENCE - shade
· FLOWER COLOR - n/a
· HEIGHT - 2-3 ft
· HABIT - deciduous
· MOISTURE - moist soil
· HARDINESS ZONES - 3-7
The Ostrich Fern (Matteucia struthiopteris) is a large, graceful fern known for its distinctive, feathery fronds that resemble the plumes of an ostrich's tail, giving the plant its name. Its bright green fronds emerge in a tightly coiled fiddlehead shape in early spring, unfurling into tall, arching leaves that can reach up to three feet in length, creating a dramatic, elegant display. Thriving in moist, shaded environments, Ostrich Ferns are commonly found in woodlands, along streams, and in other damp, cool locations, making them ideal for shaded garden beds or naturalized landscapes. In late spring to early summer, the fern produces fertile fronds that stand upright and bear spores, distinguishing them from the sterile fronds that create the plant's signature arching shape. This hardy, low-maintenance fern is prized for its ability to add lush greenery and texture to shade gardens, where it thrives with minimal care.
· ORIGIN - Southeast Native
· EXPOSURE PREFERENCE - shade
· FLOWER COLOR - n/a
· HEIGHT - 2-3 ft
· HABIT - deciduous
· MOISTURE - moist soil
· HARDINESS ZONES - 3-7
