Giant Ostrich Fern Looks Lovely In Any Garden
The Giant Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is a large fern species native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It is known for its tall fronds, which can reach heights of up to six feet (1.8 meters) and widths of up to three feet (0.9 meters).
These ferns prefer moist, shady environments and are commonly found growing near streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. They are often used in landscaping as decorative plants but can grow wild in many parts of the world.
Facts About The Giant Ostrich Fern
The Fern is also known as the "shuttlecock fern" due to the shape of its fronds resembling a badminton shuttlecock. It is a deciduous fern, meaning its fronds die in winter, and new growth emerges in spring. It is a highly adaptable species and can grow in various soil types, from sandy loam to heavy clay. It is a fast-growing fern and can quickly spread through underground rhizomes to form large colonies. The fronds are used in floral arrangements and as a decorative foliage plant in gardens. Native Americans used these ferns for medicinal purposes, such as treating wounds and rheumatism. The fern is a popular plant for shade gardens and is often used in landscaping to provide a lush, tropical look. It is a tough plant that can survive temperatures as low as -40°F.
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They originally received its name based on the appearance of its maturing fronds. The plant's fiddleheads (the name given to a fern's tightly wound, immature fronds) begin their growth by coiling delicately from the earth each spring.
Mature fronds are long-tapering to their base but short-tapering to their tips and possess a distinct, plume-like quality. They also tend to undulate and so often resemble ostrich feathers. These ferns are both crown and colony-forming plants.
The Giant Ostrich Fern Is Hardy
