Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

$25⁹⁸ $34²⁷

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Wet Soils, Groundcover, Container Friendly, Attracts pollinators, Disease resistant, Edible, Fast-growing, Flowering, Fragrant, and Drought resistant

Specifications

Botanical Name

Matteuccia struthiopteris
Height

3-6 ft
Width

5-7 ft
Growing Zones

3-7
Sunlight
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Leaf Color
- Green
Native

Yes
Pollinator Required

No
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, HI, ID, KS, LA, MS, MT, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Ostrich Ferns thrive in full to part shade, ideally receiving less than 2 to 4 hours of morning sun. While they can handle more light in cooler climates if the soil stays wet, too much direct afternoon sun will scorch the delicate fronds and turn them crispy.
Soil: These ferns prefer rich, loamy soil that mimics a forest floor. If you have heavy clay, mix in plenty of compost or leaf mold to improve drainage, as they like "moist but not swampy" conditions; if your soil is sandy, adding organic matter is essential to help hold onto moisture.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, Ostrich Ferns need consistent moisture to establish their root systems, so plan to water deeply twice a week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Once mature, they are relatively resilient but will show stress by drooping or browning if the soil dries out completely. Unlike some perennials, they do not have true drought tolerance, so regular watering is the key to maintaining that lush, tropical look throughout the summer heat.

Pruning Tips

This plant grows from a central crown and produces new growth from the center each spring, meaning it effectively "blooms" on new wood. In late winter or very early spring before the new "fiddleheads" emerge, cut the dead, brown fronds from the previous year down to the ground. This cleanup acts like a fresh start for the plant, allowing the new growth to shine without being tangled in old, messy debris.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a layer of rich compost in early spring just as the fiddleheads begin to unfurl. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this can force tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. A single spring feeding is usually all they need to fuel their vigorous spread via underground runners.

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Growing Zones 3-7

Find Your Growing Zone!

Easily one of the most beautiful Ferns for wet shade, the Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is a must-have addition! Unfurling into a beautiful vase-shaped leaf, the showy, arching fronds are reminiscent of Ostrich tail feathers. The plumes of lustrous, very large, dark emerald add lushness to those corners of the yard that are shaded and damp.

The finely dissected leaves also bring delicate texture to the landscape. Ostrich Fern settles nicely in a woodland setting, under the dense shade of large trees. No wonder this plant won the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society!

These are hardy natives of North America, brushing off early spring freezes like a champ. Interestingly, we're told by friends in Vermont that the young fiddleheads are delicious sautéed in a bit of oil, with a taste like Asparagus. It's even the state vegetable in Vermont!

Planting and Application:

You know that place, where nothing except mosses seems to grow? Those are perfect for Ferns! Ostrich Ferns graceful clumps spread and colonize an area. Perfect for a woodland setting, under the dense shade of large trees and evergreens, and in the modern or contemporary landscape too! It really sings when planted in masses.

Wonderful on the patio and in containers, Ostrich Fern shines! These plumes form dense colonies in the full shade, bringing life and greenery to dreary spots. Visually, planting Ostrich Ferns can turn a dreary eyesore into a triumph of woodland delight! Forming a verdant backdrop for shade-loving Hosta or Bleeding Hearts.

Lustrous Tall Vase Shape
Green Finely Dissected Foliage
Cute Fiddle-Heads
Loves Wet, Boggy, Shady Areas
En Masse, Planters, Rain-Gardens, Ponds & Shade-Gardens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Ostrich Fern is happiest in a site that is moist, cool and shady. It handles a bit more sun the closer it is to a stream, pond or bog, and handles wet feet like a duck. Slower to get established, Ostrich Fern will make root development a top priority. Low maintenance once settled, a once-a-year clean-up is all that is needed in late winter or early spring before they start to grow.

Part to Full Shade
Moist to Wet Soil
Clean/Prune Late Winter/Early Spring
Loves Cool Humid Sites
Deer Resistant

Turn those dreary, waste areas into landscaping with fresh, green 'wow' factor with the addition of Ostrich Fern! Fast-growing, beautiful, shade-loving plantings, then order your own from Nature Hills Nursery today!

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Plant Sentry™

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Specifications