Matteuccia Struthiopteris - Ostrich Fern
The Matteuccia Struthiopteris, better known as the Ostrich Fern, is a deciduous fern species typically found in moist woodlands and meadows. It is characterized by its distinctive pinnate fronds and preference for limestone-rich soils. This captivating and versatile plant offers many benefits when utilized in landscaping projects. With its unique characteristics and striking appearance, this fern can contribute to various outdoor spaces' aesthetic appeal and ecological balance.
Vibrant, feathery leaves are the most attractive feature of this verdant plant. It typically grows in a glade or meadow, but it will happily take root in your yard if you plant it in the right location. Thanks to its hardiness, you can enjoy having this plant’s lovely colors for a large portion of the year. It can survive during the winter, so you won’t have to replant it each spring.
The Matteuccia Struthiopteris - Ostrich Fern's Characteristics
Scientists know this plant as the Diplazium pycnocarpon. It grows using creeping rhizomes, so it can quickly fill a garden bed once it is established. Because of this, gardeners commonly use it as a background plant. It can be put in the back portion of your bed to create a backdrop for more colorful flowers in front.
Use For Native Gardens
In recent years, native landscaping techniques have become a popular trend across the country. Because this plant is native to the United States, it will grow in a wide variety of locations. Ideally suited for the shade, it produces graceful arches and tall fronds. Other than native plant gardens, it is also popular for woodland gardens.
The Stunning Fronds Of The Fern
The biggest selling point of this plant is its fronds. Once the plant has reached its full size, the fronds resemble gigantic feathers. When it is grown in an area with enough shade, these fronds develop a lovely, light green color. In fact, these fronds can grow up to 4 feet tall. After they reach maturity in the summer, they are typically taller than an average child.
Use TN Nursery for Your Professional or Personal Landscape
Because of their vivid color, these plants are popular in professional and personal landscape designs. The leaves grow in bilateral rows on either side of the frond. When it is time to reproduce, some of the fronds produce spores. It can also reproduce by sending out stolons underneath the ground.
Each frond grows in a bunch known as a colony, which typically includes about five to six fronds. While this stunning plant loves growing near ponds, lakes, and rivers, it can also enjoy growing in your garden.
