Shade Perennial

Ostrich Fern

Botanical Name: Matteuccia pennsylvanica
Height: 24-36" +
Spread: 18-24" +
Exposure: Light Shade to Shade
Care: Cut to ground in Fall or Early Spring before new growth emerges
Deer resistant
Clump-forming, spreading decidous fern that features upright vase-shaped fronds. New growth emerges lime green maturing to deep green by summer. The tightly wound new fronds (called fiddleheads) that emerge in spring are edible and considered a delicacy by some. Native. Prefers moist or wet soils, and will thrive under these conditions, growing larger and spreading rapidly. Not for a dry area.