Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Nature Hills Nursery

Elegant Vase-Shaped Fronds Unfurl Like Ostrich Plumes for Dramatic Wet Shade Gardens
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-7
Grows 3-6 ft Tall, 5-7 ft Wide
Native Perennial
Great Choice for Mass Planting in Cottage Gardens

$31⁸⁰

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

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.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

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

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Wet Soils, Groundcover, Container Friendly, Attracts pollinators, Disease resistant, Edible, Fast-growing, Flowering, Fragrant, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	3-6 ft
Width	5-7 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Fern
Botanical Name	Matteuccia struthiopteris
Species	struthiopteris
Class	Polypodiopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Ostrich Fern grow and when will I see mature size?

Ostrich Fern is slower to establish as it prioritizes root development first. Once established, it spreads and colonizes to form dense clumps. Be patient the first year while roots develop, then expect gradual spreading in years two and beyond.

Is Ostrich Fern deer resistant or will deer eat it?

Ostrich Fern is generally deer resistant, as deer typically avoid eating ferns due to their texture and taste. This native North American perennial thrives in the wet, shady conditions where deer browse is often problematic. For best results in deer-prone areas, plant in masses under dense tree canopy where this Award of Garden Merit winner naturally excels.

What plants pair well with Ostrich Fern in a shade garden?

Ostrich Fern creates a stunning backdrop for shade-loving Hosta and Bleeding Hearts. These moisture-loving companions thrive in the same cool, damp conditions that make Ostrich Fern flourish. Plant them in masses together for maximum impact in your woodland garden.

How do I care for Ostrich Fern during winter months?

Ostrich Ferns are hardy North American natives that brush off early spring freezes with ease. These perennials naturally die back to the ground in winter, requiring no special protection. Simply leave the dead fronds in place until spring to provide natural insulation, then cut them back when new fiddleheads emerge.

Can Ostrich Fern tolerate wet or boggy soil conditions?

Ostrich Fern thrives in wet, boggy conditions and handles waterlogged soil exceptionally well. It's perfect for rain gardens, pond edges, and those persistently damp spots where other plants struggle. Plant it in your wettest shade areas for best results.

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris