Virginia Living Museum
Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

Resembling ostrich feathers, tall elegant fronds of Ostrich Fern create an instant "woodsy" effect for shady and sunny areas.

Vivid bright grass green, its symmetric clumps of arching fronds are pleasing against the foliage and flowers of natives like Foam Flower and Jacob's Ladder.

Ostrich Fern is naturally found along rivers, in swamps and moist forests so it like wet...especially if grown in sun. Ostrich Fern will yellow and burn in hot sun. It is a gorgeous space-filler for areas planted with perennials becoming dormant by summer. Colonizes well. Provides shelter and shade for birds, frogs, salamanders and toads.