Ostrich Fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Polypodiaceae
Growth habit
Fern
Perennation
Long-lived polycarpic perennial
Native distribution
Cool Temperate N. America
Location
Source of plant
Nancy Hillegas
Description
The sterile fronds of ostrich fern are 2-8 ft. tall, once-pinnate, tapered at both base and apex, brown-stemmed, and slightly scaly. Fertile fronds are shorter, with edges of pinnae turned in to form a beaded plume persistent through winter. The rootstock is creeping, producing urn-like clusters of fronds.
USDA Hardiness Zone
3