Ostrich Fern
What: The Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is a tough and hardy plant featuring tall, lacy fronds throughout the growing season. This very recognizable fern spreads aggressively and grows best in shade with rich, moist soil.
Best use: Ideal for adding textural interest to shady garden areas, woodland settings, and naturalized landscapes. Ostrich Fern works well as a groundcover, for mass plantings, or as a dramatic backdrop in perennial gardens.
Plant Details
| Height | 24 inches |
| Spread | 4 feet |
| Hardiness Zone | 1 |
| Sunlight | Full sun to full shade |
| Watering | Prefers moist soil; may require supplemental watering during drought |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Maintenance | High; best cleaned up in early spring before active growth resumes |
| Uses | Mass planting, general garden use, groundcover, naturalizing and woodland gardens |
| Special Features | Fragrant ferny compound leaves, deer resistant, tolerant of urban pollution |




