Native Plants of PA: Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

Phonetic Spelling 

mat-TEW-kee-ah struth-ee-op-TER-is

Background

Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), also known as fiddlehead fern and shuttlecock fern, is a member of the Sensitive Fern Family, Onocleaceae. Ferns in this family are terrestrial and have deciduous sterile fronds (leaves) that develop in early spring, and fertile fronds containing spores that develop later in the growing season and persist through winter. The genus Matteuccia commemorates the Italian physicist Carlo Matteucci (1800-1868) and provides no descriptive benefit. The specific epithet originates from Greek, where struthi means "ostrich," a reference to the feathery vegetative fronds, and opteris means "fern."

In early spring, the new sterile fronds will emerge as fiddleheads. A reference to the spiral shape of the rolled-up frond that resembles the head of a fiddle, or violin. Fiddleheads of ostrich fern, along with other members of the genera Matteuccia, Osmundastrum, and Pteridium, can be harvested as a wild food. This document does not provide guidance on edible wild plants or foraging. 

CAUTION: Tender fiddleheads of ostrich fern are TOXIC if not fully cooked. When properly prepared, fiddleheads have a taste similar to that of asparagus.

Description 

Size

Ostrich fern is native to Pennsylvania, with a North American distribution range that extends from North Dakota to Maine, and south to Virginia. Fronds can reach between 2 and 6 feet tall and spread by means of underground stems called rhizomes, forming clumps that are 2 to 3 feet wide.

Fronds (leaves) 

Ferns reproduce by spores, rather than seeds. Spores will either be found on the underside of fronds or on separate reproductive structures called fertile fronds. The family Onocleaceae originates from the Greek words "onos," meaning vessel, and "kleio," meaning to close, in reference to the fertile fronds that enclose structures, called sori (singular, sorus), which contain the spores.  Ferns with two types of fronds, like ostrich fern, are referred to as dimorphic, meaning "two forms".

The sterile fronds of ostrich fern are medium green, once divided, deeply lobed, with stems that are brown and slightly scaly. Small hairs can be observed on the underside of the frond, particularly along the midrib.

Each sterile frond tapers at the tip and base, where a cluster of sterile fronds will meet to form a vase-like appearance. The sterile fronds will encircle the fertile fronds, which will emerge in mid-summer. In the fall, the sterile fronds will die back, leaving the fertile fronds to persist through winter. Fertile fronds are dark brown, stiff, feather-like structures that stand erect. The spores are released in late winter to early spring and dispersed by wind. The ostrich fern can reproduce both sexually through spores and asexually via rhizomes.

Wildlife Uses 

Ferns are often an undervalued species in wildlife habitats, but they do have many significant benefits. Ostrich ferns are the larval food for many caterpillar species. There is even a moth that uses ostrich fern as its only food source, aptly named the ostrich fern borer moth (Papaipema sp. 2 near pterisii). The larvae of the ostrich fern borer moth bore into and feed on the stems and roots of the ostrich fern. Pollinator species are attracted to the nectar found on the fronds. Other insects that use ostrich ferns as food sources include various birds. The fiddleheads and fronds of ostrich fern are browsed by some herbivores, although they tend to be avoided by deer. 

Ferns provide great cover and shelter opportunities for wildlife as well. The fronds provide cover for smaller mammals and ground-dwelling birds, allowing them to travel out of sight of predators and offering protection from harsh weather conditions. Birds like the American redstart will use the dense foliage of ferns as nest sites. Deer will often leave their fawns in patches of ferns to conceal them.

Use in the Landscape 

As a spreading fern, ostrich fern can be useful when thoughtfully utilized in the landscape. Ostrich fern is adapted to USDA growing zones 3-7. All of Pennsylvania falls within this range; however, shade and moisture are extremely important in warmer areas. Ostrich fern will do best in landscapes that replicate conditions in its native habitat, along cool woodland streambanks. The ostrich fern can thrive well in the landscape and is considered an easy-to-grow species of fern. Consider trying novel landscape uses for the ostrich fern that push its typical habitat preferences, especially in cooler parts of its growing zone. 

The spreading nature of the ostrich fern can be utilized for thick, mass plantings in ideal locations. Ostrich fern is strongly competitive, though, and can push out other less vigorous shade species. It is not ideal for small gardens where mixed plantings are desired.

No major pests of the ostrich fern exist, and it is generally deer-resistant. New plantings and emerging fiddleheads may be subject to deer browsing. Ostrich fern is a unique option for areas in the landscape where other plant species have not succeeded. Deeply shaded, moist areas with borders make ideal locations for the ostrich fern to thrive and remain confined.