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 Bare Root Fern Rhizomes

Bare root fern rhizomes are easy to plant and bring lush, woodland beauty to shaded or partially shaded areas. To begin, soak the rhizomes in water for 1–2 hours before planting to help rehydrate them. Choose a planting site with rich, well-draining soil high in organic matter. Ferns thrive in moisture-retentive soil, so amending with compost or leaf mold is ideal.

Dig a shallow hole wide enough to spread the rhizome out horizontally, and place it just below the soil surface with the growing tips (or “eyes”) facing upward. Cover lightly with soil, press gently, and water thoroughly. Keep the soil evenly moist—never dry or soggy—while the fern establishes.

Mulch with leaf litter or pine needles to conserve moisture and mimic the fern’s natural habitat. Avoid direct sunlight, as most native ferns prefer cool, shaded conditions. With patience and proper care, the rhizomes will send up new fronds and form a graceful, low-maintenance colony that returns year after year.

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