Fiddlehead Fern - Matteuccia struthiopteris

The Fiddlehead Fern also known as Ostrich Fern, is a woodland beauty with fronds resembling the plumage of an ostrich. This fern is native to North America and is naturally found in shaded moist habitats such as stream and river banks.

This fern is large, growing up to 6 ft tall and around 4 ft across, and easily naturalizes forming colonies of lush, feathery fronds. The sterile fronds emerge upward from the rhizome and gentle arch outward from the base, while the fertile brown fronds develop erect from the center of the plant. This fern is deciduous, with fronds beginning to dieback after the first frost in autumn. However, the fertile fronds remain throughout the winter, adding a lovely brown tone to the landscape.

Plant Details - Fiddlehead Fern

Family: Onocleaceae

Hardiness Zones: 3–7

Light Requirement: Partial shade to full shade

Water Needs: Moderate to high

Height: 3 - 6 ft

Spread: 2 - 4 ft

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: NA

Flower Color: NA

Wildlife Value: Provides cover and habitat for wildlife in woodland ecosystems

Not only is the Fiddlehead Fern visually stunning, it is edible and well-known for its tasty young fiddleheads. They are similar to the flavor of green beans when cooked and are full of vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids. The rhizome is also edible and can be roasted after peeling for a delicious treat.

The Fiddlehead Fern was a recent recipient of the Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society for its ornamental value and is a gardener’s favorite across North America. Easy to grown and maintain, this fern makes a great underplanting option and is a wonderful addition to a shaded garden or woodland landscape.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Fiddlehead Fern

It is an easy to grow fern and virtually pest and disease-free. It prefers shaded environments however will tolerate part shade locations as well. Plant this vivacious fern in a protected area as strong wind can damage the fronds.

While this plant is easy to maintain, it does not tolerate summer heat. Make sure that the soil stays moist. Applying a layer of mulch in the summer time will help retain moisture and also keep the roots cool. This fern can be propagated by divisions in spring or by sowing the developed spores.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Easy to maintain, feathery fronds, edible fiddleheads Plant this multipurpose fern in your garden to enjoy its stunningly lush green fronds and deliciously tasty fiddleheads year after year. Shop for the Fiddlehead Fern online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 2 Feet

Care

Fiddlehead ferns prefer consistently moist soil, so water regularly to keep the soil damp. They thrive in well-draining, rich soil and benefit from frequent feeding with a fertilizer in the growing season. Prune back any dead or damaged fronds as needed.

Plant Reproduction

Fiddlehead Fern spreads via rhizomes and spores

How to Grow and Care for Native Ferns

Native ferns are timeless additions to shaded gardens, woodland borders, and natural landscapes, offering soft texture and year-round beauty. To grow them successfully, start by choosing a shady or partially shaded location that mimics their natural forest habitat. Native ferns prefer rich, loamy, and well-drained soil that stays consistently moist but never waterlogged. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or leaf mold to improve organic content and drainage.

When planting bare-root or potted native ferns, space them generously to allow for natural spreading. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season. Ferns don’t need fertilizing if the soil is healthy, but a yearly application of compost in spring can promote lush growth. Mulch with shredded leaves or pine needles to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.

Avoid placing them in direct afternoon sun or windy, exposed sites. Most native ferns, such as Christmas Fern, Lady Fern, and Cinnamon Fern, thrive in low-light conditions and will naturalize beautifully if left undisturbed. With minimal care, native ferns reward you with graceful greenery that fills your garden with a calm, woodland charm season after season.

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