Matteuccia struthiopteris aka Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris is known as ostrich fern or shuttlecock fern. It belongs to the fern family Onocleaceae. Its native range spans temperate North America, Europe, and northern Asia. It grows in wooded river bottoms and along rocky streams. Wooded ravines also provide a home for this fern. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This deciduous fern forms clumps and spreads through underground rhizomes. These can build dense colonies where conditions suit it. Garden height varies from 2–5 feet [0.6–1.5 metres]. Missouri Botanical Garden gives 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] as usual. Wild plants in cool climates can reach 6 feet [1.8 metres]. Spread ranges from about 3–8 feet [0.9–2.5 metres] across the sources. The RHS gives five to ten years to reach maturity.

The green fronds stand in rings around the plant's centre. Their fine divisions give them the look of ostrich feathers. Curled young fronds, called fiddleheads, emerge from the base in spring. They unfold into fronds up to 4 feet [1.2 metres] long. Shorter, dark brown fertile fronds grow within the ring. These reach about 2 feet [0.6 metres] in length. The plant makes spores rather than flowers. Its green fronds may die back earlier than other ferns.

Grow it in partial or full shade with steady moisture. Rich soil suits it best, and roots must not dry out. It accepts clay, loam, or sand, with acid or neutral pH. The RHS recommends moist soil that drains well. It also notes that the fern suits very wet sites. Choose a sheltered spot away from strong wind. Cool summers suit it better than hot, humid southern climates. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 3–8; the RHS rates it H5.

Use it as ground cover beneath shrubs or in woodland beds. It also suits rain gardens and planting near water. Hostas, astilbes, and spring wildflowers make suitable companions. Brown fertile fronds can add shape to winter arrangements. Outdoor plants have few reported pest or disease problems. Remove dead or damaged fronds when needed. Propagate by spring division or by sowing ripe spores. Young fronds are edible, and PFAF records peeled, roasted rootstock as food. PFAF reports no known species-specific toxicity, but urges caution about eating ferns. Its wider fern warnings do not establish toxicity in this species.