The Ostrich Fern is a graceful, colony-forming native fern prized for its tall, feathery fronds that resemble the plumes of an ostrich. Emerging in spring as tightly coiled fiddleheads, the fronds unfurl into elegant, arching foliage that forms a vase-shaped clump. The bright green leaves create a soft, textured backdrop in shaded landscapes and woodland gardens. In late summer, shorter, darker fertile fronds appear in the center of the plant and persist through winter, adding seasonal interest. This fern spreads slowly by underground rhizomes, eventually forming lush drifts in moist, shaded areas.
- Size: Height: 90–150 cm (3–5 ft). Spread: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft) per clump; spreads gradually into colonies
- Frond length: up to 120 cm (4 ft)
- Growth habit: Upright, vase-shaped clumps that naturalize over time
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Soil: Rich, organic, moist soil; prefers woodland conditions
- Water: Consistently moist soil; intolerant of prolonged drought
- Hardiness: Zones 2–7 (extremely hardy for prairie climates)
- Maintenance: Minimal; remove old fronds in early spring before new growth emerges
- Spacing: Plant 60–90 cm apart; allow space for natural spreading