Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris
Yes Phase 2 ยท Layering out Ferns
โ˜€ Light
Part shade
๐Ÿ’ง Water
Wet to moist
๐Ÿ“ Mature size
3โ€“6 ft (spreads)
๐ŸŒธ Bloom / interest
โ€”
๐Ÿƒ Foliage
Deciduous
๐ŸŒŽ Native
Yes
๐ŸฆŒ Deer
Resistant
๐Ÿ›’ How many
5โ€“9 (it will spread)

Why we want it

Big, bold, vase-shaped sweeps that fill a moist glade fast. Drama for large spaces.

Where it goes in our yard

Large moist drifts in the back glades โ€” give it room to run.

Planting & care

Spreads aggressively by runners in moist soil โ€” site it where that's welcome, not in a tidy bed.

What to buy

Straight species.

Sourcing

Native-plant nurseries; spreads, so you need fewer.

Read more at NC State Extension โ†’