Ostrich Fern Matteuccia struthiopteris
ABOUT
The plant, commonly known as the ostrich fern due to its feathery fronds resembling ostrich plumes, is a striking perennial. Its leaves are vibrant green, elongating gracefully in a symmetrical cluster that emerges directly from the ground. Each leaf, or frond, has a smooth, upright stem that unfurls into feather-like structures. The fronds are divided into smaller leaflets that have a distinct, pointed shape and are arranged in a sub-opposite fashion along the stem. During the early part of the growing season, the fern produces distinctive, tightly curled fronds, sometimes called fiddleheads because of their resemblance to the curled head of a fiddle. These fiddleheads uncoil and expand into the larger, more mature fronds over time. The overall impression of the ostrich fern is one of elegance and delicate textures, with its lush, cascading fronds creating an effect similar to a dense fern grove. The leaflets are finely serrated, contributing to the intricate appearance of the fern. Despite its delicate looks, the plant is known for forming dense, robust clusters that provide a rich backdrop or focal point in gardens and natural settings. The uniform growth pattern and verdant hue of the plant make it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of sophistication to their green spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onocleaceae
Synonyms
Ostrich Fern, Shuttlecock Fern, Fiddlehead Fern
Common names
Onoclea struthiopteris, Struthiopteris germanica, Struthiopteris pensylvanica, Matteuccia pensylvanica, Pteretis nodulosa, Pteretis pensylvanica, Pteretis struthiopteris, Struthiopteris nodulosa
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name of Matteuccia struthiopteris is ostrich fern. Ostrich fern is generally not considered toxic to humans. In fact, the fiddleheads of the ostrich fern are edible and can be a delicacy when cooked properly. However, it is important to cook the fiddleheads thoroughly before consumption, as raw or undercooked fiddleheads may cause food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and headaches.
To pets
The most common common name of Matteuccia struthiopteris is ostrich fern. Ostrich fern is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets. As with many plants, if a pet ingests a large quantity of any non-food item, including ostrich fern, it could potentially cause mild stomach upset. However, there are no widely recognized serious toxic effects of the ostrich fern on pets such as dogs and cats. Always keep an eye on your pets and prevent them from ingesting large amounts of vegetation to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Fern
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Ostrich Fern has attractive, large, and feather-like fronds that add aesthetic beauty to gardens and natural landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: It grows well in shady conditions where other plants might struggle, making it a useful plant for filling in dark or forested areas.
- Erosion Control: With their extensive root systems, Ostrich Ferns can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and in areas with loose or wet soil.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and habitat for various species of wildlife, including birds and insects.
- Edible Fiddleheads: The young, coiled fronds called "fiddleheads" are edible when cooked and are considered a delicacy in some cuisines.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Ostrich Ferns require minimal care and are relatively easy to maintain, making them a practical choice for many gardeners.
- Naturalizing Areas: It can be used to create a natural, woodland setting in larger landscape designs.
- Drought Resistance: Mature plants can tolerate periods of drought, although they prefer consistently moist soil.
- Cold-Hardy: The Ostrich Fern is cold-hardy and can survive in colder climates where other plants might not thrive.
Medical Properties- Vitamin K source: Matteuccia struthiopteris, commonly known as ostrich fern, is known to contain vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.
- Anti-inflammatory: Some sources suggest that the ostrich fern may possess anti-inflammatory properties, although scientific evidence is limited.
- Nutritional supplement: The fiddleheads of ostrich ferns are edible when cooked and are sometimes consumed for their nutritional value, which could indirectly support overall health.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gardening: Ostrich ferns are commonly used in shaded garden areas to create lush, green backdrops or as a ground cover, because of their tall and elegant fronds that resemble ostrich feathers.
- Soil Erosion Control: The extensive root system of the ostrich fern helps to prevent soil erosion, making it a beneficial plant in areas prone to losing top soil due to water runoff.
- Craft Material: The unique shape of ostrich fern fronds can be used in floral arrangements or dried and incorporated into craft projects for natural texture and pattern.
- Culinary Use: The fiddleheads (young tightly coiled new fronds) of the ostrich fern are edible when cooked and are considered a delicacy in some areas, although they should not be consumed raw.
- Dye Production: Some traditional cultures use the fronds of the ostrich fern to create natural dyes for textiles, often resulting in soft green hues.
- Indicator Species: Ostrich ferns can be an indicator species for certain soil types and environmental conditions, such as damp, fertile soils and shaded habitats.
- Biomonitoring: Scientists sometimes utilize the presence and health of ostrich fern populations to monitor the ecosystem's environmental quality, including indicators of air and soil conditions.
- Water Quality Improvement: By thriving in damp soil, ostrich ferns can be part of systems designed to improve water quality, through phytoremediation techniques that stabilize banks of water bodies.
- Wildlife Habitat: Dense colonies of ostrich ferns create a habitat for various small wildlife, including insects, birds, and small mammals, thereby contributing to the biodiversity of an area.
- Education and Research: Ostrich ferns are sometimes used as model organisms in botanical education and research for the study of plant morphology, reproduction, and ecology.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ostrich Fern is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ostrich Fern is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The common name Ostrich Fern comes from its feathery fronds that resemble an ostrich plume. In some cultures, feathers are symbols of protection, covering and safeguarding what's beneath.
- New Beginnings: As a perennial plant that emerges anew each spring, the Ostrich Fern represents the start of a new cycle and fresh beginnings.
- Privacy: With its tall and dense fronds, the Ostrich Fern is often used in gardens to create secluded and private spaces, symbolizing a sense of mystery or personal retreat.
- Growth and Expansion: The way in which the Ostrich Fern spreads and colonizes areas can symbolize natural growth processes and the expansion of ideas or influence.
- Elegance and Grace: The plant’s delicate and graceful fronds convey a sense of elegance and refined beauty, often associated with high aesthetic standards and poise.
WaterThe Ostrich Fern should be watered deeply once a week, allowing for about 1 gallon of water to soak the soil around the root zone. During hotter seasons or drought conditions, increase watering to twice per week to maintain consistent soil moisture. In wetter climates or periods of heavy rainfall, reduce the frequency to prevent waterlogging. Ensure that the soil is well-drained to avoid standing water which can lead to root rot. Adjust the amount of water depending on the size of the fern and the current weather conditions, but always aim to keep the soil evenly moist.
LightThe Ostrich Fern thrives best in partial to full shade, avoiding direct afternoon sun which can scorch its fronds. A spot under the canopy of tall trees or on the north side of a building is ideal. These ferns are well-suited for shaded garden areas or woodland settings where they receive dappled light, which mimics their natural habitat.
TemperatureThe Ostrich Fern prefers cooler environments, and it can survive in temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 75°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 70°F. Planting in a location that avoids extreme temperature fluctuations will help to ensure the fern's health and growth.
PruningPruning the Ostrich Fern is usually done to remove dead or damaged fronds and to maintain a tidy appearance. Prune in early spring before new growth begins or in late autumn after the ferns have died back. Pruning can be done annually, cutting back the old fronds to the ground to make space for fresh, new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Ostrich Fern prefers moist, rich, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0; a mix of garden soil, peat, and perlite can be ideal.
RepottingOstrich Ferns usually don't require frequent repotting and can be done every 3-4 years or when the plant outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingOstrich Fern thrives in high humidity conditions often found in forested areas, maintaining a relative humidity around 60% to 70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide shade, moist soil, and high humidity for Ostrich Ferns inside.
Outdoor
Plant in shade, use moist, rich soil, and ensure high ambient humidity for Ostrich Ferns.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Ostrich Fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris, begins its life cycle as a spore released from the mature fern’s sporangia typically found on the underside of fertile fronds. These spores germinate under suitable conditions of moisture and shade to form a small, heart-shaped gametophyte that hosts both male and female reproductive organs. Through water-dependent fertilization, the gametophyte gives rise to a new sporophyte, which is the familiar fern plant. The sporophyte grows from a rhizome, sending up distinctively tall, arching, feather-like sterile fronds that unfurl from fiddleheads each spring, giving it its common name. Over time, in summer or early fall, specialized fertile fronds develop, which are shorter, stiffer and more erect bearing clusters of sporangia that produce new spores, continuing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, the Ostrich Fern dies back to the ground in winter, but the rhizome survives and regrows the next season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is typically propagated through division, which is best done in the spring as new growth begins. Division involves carefully separating the crown of an established Ostrich Fern into several smaller sections, each with at least one growing tip or frond emerging. Ideally, these sections should also have a portion of the root system attached. After dividing the fern, plant the sections immediately at the same depth they were growing previously, ensuring the site offers similar growing conditions, including moist, well-drained soil and part shade to full shade. Water the divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness, allowing gardeners to create new plants that are true to the parent's characteristics.
