Matteuccia struthiopteris
Ostrich Fern
- Hardiness: Zone :
- 4
- Plant Type:
- Perennial, Fern, Ground Cover
- Geography:
- Native
- Light:
- Sun/Part Shade, Shade/Part Sun, Shade
- Growth Rate:
- Fast
- Moisture:
- Saturated to Moist, Moderately Wet to Moderately Dry, Dry to Occasionally Moist
- Special Features:
- Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
- Container Sizes:
- 1-gallon, 2-gallon
- Mature Height:
- 4'
- Mature Spread:
- 5'
Native fern of the eastern US often found in moist shady woods, but not as water-loving as the cinnamon or royal ferns. Ostrich fern can reach 5 feet in height, but typically stretches to about 4 feet. Rhizomes eventually spread in good rich moist soil, so make sure you find a spot where you want a population of ostrich fern, because over time you're likely to have one. Fronds form a sort of ring around the central crown of the plant, resulting in a nest-like pattern of leaves. Can handle drier soils, making it a good fern choice for dappled shade or even moderately dry undestory plantings. Give it room to roam and enjoy.
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Article: The Plantsmen Nursery