ostrich fern

Graceful feathery fronds, an attractive and exotic upright and arched profile, and culinary value all make this a popular fern species for outdoor shade gardens. Ostrich Ferns are native to our area, often found in colonies inside moist wooded areas, but are also valuable for restoration and soil-stabilizing efforts. Ostrich Ferns are iconic for their edible and sought-after young frond shoots (Fiddleheads), which can be foraged in the spring and must be cooked. Ostrich Ferns are known to be aggressive spreaders with their underground rhizomes, establishing dominate colonies quickly, and this should be taken into consideration if they are planned to be planted close to other less-aggressive plants. They are tolerant of all soil types like sand, clay, and loam and sometimes full sun, as long as they are consistently moist. Ostrich Fern spores are released from dark fronds during late summer.

Details for Care:

• Soil – Consistently moist, Nutrient and Organic-rich

• Sun – Full Shade, Partial Shade

• Maximum Height – 3 to 5 feet