Matteuccia struthiopteris “Ostrich Fern”
“Ostrich Fern” is a graceful, hardy perennial fern prized for its tall, feathery fronds that resemble the elegant plumes of an ostrich. In spring, bright green, vase-shaped fronds unfurl from the center, creating a lush, tropical look even in shady gardens.
This native fern is perfect for shady borders, woodland gardens, or alongside streams and ponds. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and spreads slowly by underground rhizomes to form stunning colonies. In autumn, fronds turn a golden hue before going dormant.
- 🌿 Elegant, tall green fronds
- 🌳 Thrives in shade and moist soil
- 📏 Mature Size: 3–6 ft. tall, 3–4 ft. wide
- 🪴 Ideal for woodland gardens and shady borders
- 🍂 Golden fall foliage for seasonal interest
Note: This fern prefers consistently moist soil and partial to full shade. It may go dormant in summer if conditions are too dry.
Growing Zones: 3–7 outdoors
![Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] 12 3-8.png?v=1591626066](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0260/0619/2212/files/3-8.png?v=1591626066)
| Mature Height: | 3–6 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Partial to Full Shade |
| Mature Width: | 3–4 ft. |
| Botanical Name: | Matteuccia struthiopteris |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate to Fast |
| Bloom Time: | Non-flowering (foliage plant) |
| Type: | Perennial Fern |
FAQ’s
Does the Ostrich Fern spread?
Yes, it spreads slowly through underground rhizomes, forming attractive colonies over time.
Can it grow in full sun?
It prefers shade, but can handle morning sun if kept consistently moist.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer generally avoid ferns, including Ostrich Fern.
Does it die back in winter?
Yes, fronds die back in late fall, but the plant will return in spring.
Is it suitable for containers?
It can be grown in large containers, but needs consistent moisture and shade.

![Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] 1 Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG]](https://www.greenpixienursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ac232c153d7cff3005a54f635aa0aad3.webp)
![Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] 2 Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] - Image 2](https://www.greenpixienursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/matteuccia-struth.webp)
![Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] 3 Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] - Image 3](https://www.greenpixienursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/611mkXdh3SL._UF1000_1000_QL80.webp)
![Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] 4 Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] - Image 4](https://www.greenpixienursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/OstrichFern3_480x_9eb0df9b-623e-4992-a4a2-595ac93f8242.webp)
![Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] 5 Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] - Image 5](https://www.greenpixienursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/matteuccia-struthiopteris-28-5-21_c0949344cb.webp)
![Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] 6 Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] - Image 6](https://www.greenpixienursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Group1686556127_2601b8bf-3dae-4351-9cb6-0abeca8fde70-4.webp)
![Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] 7 Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] -Pixies Gardens matteuccia struth](https://www.greenpixienursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/matteuccia-struth-247x247.webp)
![Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] 8 Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] -Pixies Gardens 611mkXdh3SL. UF1000 1000 QL80](https://www.greenpixienursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/611mkXdh3SL._UF1000_1000_QL80-247x247.webp)
![Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] 9 Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] -Pixies Gardens OstrichFern3 480x 9eb0df9b 623e 4992 a4a2 595ac93f8242](https://www.greenpixienursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/OstrichFern3_480x_9eb0df9b-623e-4992-a4a2-595ac93f8242-247x247.webp)
![Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] 10 Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] -Pixies Gardens matteuccia struthiopteris 28 5 21 c0949344cb](https://www.greenpixienursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/matteuccia-struthiopteris-28-5-21_c0949344cb-247x247.webp)
![Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] 11 Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern - [CG] -Pixies Gardens Group1686556127 2601b8bf 3dae 4351 9cb6 0abeca8fde70 4](https://www.greenpixienursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Group1686556127_2601b8bf-3dae-4351-9cb6-0abeca8fde70-4-247x247.webp)


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