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

Choose early spring or fall when the soil is moist and cool to plant healthy bare-root ferns. You can also use dormant plants to grow year-round. When you arrive, please soak the roots in water for several hours to rehydrate them. Ferns thrive in moist and shaded areas. Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread out the roots comfortably. Position the fern so the crown (where the roots meet the fronds) is just at or slightly below ground level. Gently backfill with soil firmly around the roots, and thoroughly water to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch for weed control and to retain moisture, ensuring the mulch does not touch the crown. Water during dry periods is used to keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid fertilizing in the first year, as ferns prefer nutrient-rich soil over direct fertilization.

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