Ostrich Fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris
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Ostrich Fern - #1 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
| From | To | S&H |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| $20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| $50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
| $70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
| $100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
| $130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
| $150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
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 Highlights
Ostrich Fern highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Pollinator Friendly
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Pollinator Required
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Pruning Time
Growing Zones 3-7
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!
