Matteuccia struthiopteris ‘Ostrich Fern’

Elegant, upright to arching deciduous fern with showy, finely dissected, bright green fronds. Edible fiddleheads create magic in the garden as they slowly unfurl early Spring. Clump forming, they can easily grow 4-6ft tall and 3-4ft wide and naturalize well, forming elegant colonies in moist shade. The Ostrich fern is the source of the cute fiddlehead fronds you find in specialty markets in Spring. A delicacy in Japan. Steamed or sautéed they are delicious. These are hardy native ferns that thrive in the PNW even in those deep dark places where other things won’t grow. Given shade and moisture they will reward you as a beautiful edible, ornamental. Part shade to sun. Protect from scorching late afternoon sun. Best in rich, moist soil.