Ostrich Fern

🌿 Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia pensylvanica

A graceful native fern known for its tall vase-shaped clumps of bright green fronds that resemble large ostrich feathers. The elegant fronds create a lush woodland appearance and can reach impressive heights in moist, fertile soils.

In early spring, the tightly coiled young shoots—known as fiddleheads—emerge from the ground and are considered a traditional seasonal edible when properly prepared.

A Classic Woodland Fern

Ostrich Fern forms large spreading colonies through underground rhizomes, creating beautiful sweeping drifts in moist woodland environments. The plant produces two distinct types of fronds: tall arching sterile fronds during the growing season and shorter fertile fronds that remain standing through winter and release spores the following spring.

Its bold texture makes it one of the most dramatic native ferns for shaded landscapes.

A Fern of Floodplains and Rich Forests

This species naturally occurs in floodplain forests, moist woodlands, riverbanks, and shaded wet meadows. It thrives in rich soils with consistent moisture and partial to full shade.

Because of its ability to spread and stabilize soils, it plays an important ecological role in riparian and woodland ecosystems.

Growing Information

Height: 3–6 ft

Spread: 3–5 ft (forming colonies)

Light: Part shade to full shade

Soil: Moist to wet, rich soils

Hardiness: Zone 2–7

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast in ideal conditions

Best planted in woodland gardens, shaded rain gardens, stream edges, and naturalized forest plantings.

Ecological Importance

Ostrich Fern:

Provides dense groundcover in woodland habitats

Helps stabilize soils along streams and moist slopes

Creates shelter for amphibians and small woodland wildlife

Contributes to healthy forest understory ecosystems

Associated Woodland & Riparian Species

Common companions in natural plant communities include:

• Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)
• Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)
• Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)
• Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
• Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
• Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
• Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

Planting these species together helps recreate resilient woodland and riparian ecosystems that support wildlife, pollinators, and beneficial insects.

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive 🌱
Origin Native Plants

 

1 Gallon Pots