Matteuccia struthiopteris, commonly called ostrich fern, is a clump-forming, upright to arching, rhizomatous, deciduous fern which typically grows 2-3′ tall in cultivation, but may reach 6′ tall in moist, cool climates in the wild.

How quickly do ostrich ferns spread?

Once established, ostrich fern spread can reach roughly one additional square foot (. 09 mˆ²) per growing season. Over time, this spread can crowd, shade, or completely overtake other more diminutive shade plants. This attribute is especially troublesome for those with limited growing space.

Are ostrich ferns fast growing?

Each specimen has a short rhizome but produces long stolons. Once established, ostrich ferns spread rapidly and can be considered invasive.

How far apart should you plant ostrich ferns?

Space them 3 – 4 feet apart and 3 – 4 feet from other plants. They will spread rapidly and fill in the gaps very quickly. Plan on dividing them frequently to prevent them from taking over the entire garden. Ostrich ferns do best in full or partial shade.

How much sun can ostrich ferns take?

Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) reaches its full height with partial sun, but in full sun it still grow several feet high and wide. In fact, full sun will help keep ostrich fern from elbowing some of its botanical neighbors out of its way.

When can I move ostrich ferns?

ANSWER: The best time to transplant Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) in New York is in the spring before it produces its first new leaves. Several weeks before the average last frost would be a good date to do your transplanting.

Can you transplant ostrich ferns in summer?

TIMING – I’ve successfully transplanted ferns in spring and fall but I wouldn’t recommend doing it in the summer. … SOIL – Transplanting ferns is much easier if the soil in their new home is similar to the soil in their old home. Perhaps that’s why my lady ferns have done so well.

Are ostrich ferns invasive?

Resembling their namesake, the ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) produces fronds that are high, elegant and feathery. They are also invasive.

Do you cut back ostrich ferns in the fall?

Clip off the fronds at the base when they go dormant in fall. The fertile fronds in the center keep an attractive appearance much longer than the outer green fronds, so these can be left until they also turn brown at some point in the winter. Ostrich fern is not troubled by any pests or disease.

What grows well with ostrich ferns?

Ostrich Fern pairs well with many other native and shade plants, such as, Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina), Astilbes (Astilbe spp.), Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum), Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) or Hostas (Hosta spp).

Article first time published on

Will ostrich ferns grow in full shade?

How to grow it: Plant ostrich fern in part shade or full shade, in soil that remains consistently moist or even wet. Be careful not to bury the crown of the fern, from where the fronds emerge. Ostrich fern can be planted as dormant roots in spring or fall.

What is the tallest fern?

The tallest fern in the world is the tree fern Cyathea australis which grows to a height of 20 m (65 ft 6 in) and has fronds up to 3 m (9 ft 9 in) long.

Which fern spreads the fastest?

Like all ferns, Ostrich ferns are plants that will spread fast. Ferns will hit the spring time and burst into action, they will grow quickly and they will also spread relatively quickly as well.

Why is my ostrich fern turning brown?

The Ostrich Fern (Matteucia pennsylvanica) requires a moister soil than the Male Fern and really needs a moist soil to grow its best. If located in drier soil or in a sunnier location it could brown earlier in the season due to drought stress.

How do you plant Tennessee ostrich fern bulbs?

Ostrich ferns should be planted in a shallow hole that has plenty of room for spreading roots. Make sure the crown sits just above soil level. Fill in around the roots with any average soil and water well. Take care of ostrich ferns for the first year or so by watering regularly.

Is Miracle Grow good for ferns?

Use Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food for larger Boston ferns and those grown outdoors, and Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food for smaller indoor Boston ferns. The amount you use to fertilize your fern will vary depending on its size, so be sure to follow the instructions on the label.

What time of year is best to move ferns?

The best time to transplant ferns is in early spring, while still dormant but just as new growth begins to emerge. Potted ferns can usually be transplanted or repotted anytime but care should be taken if this is performed during its active growth period.

How do I get rid of ostrich ferns?

Use boiling water as a cheap, natural herbicide. Pour boiling water over a plant’s root system and leaves to kill it within several days without leaving a poisonous residue in the soil. You should need 1–2 gallons (3.8–7.6 L) of water to kill the fern, depending on its size.

How do you divide lady ferns?

When separating a fern, you first need to remove it from its old pot or dig up the clump. Once it’s out, brush off and shake loose as much soil as you can. It may not be much, as ferns tend to have very tight, interlocking root balls. Next, use a long serrated knife to cut the root ball either into halves or quarters.

Can ostrich ferns grow in sun?

Like most ferns, ostrich ferns prefer moist soil. … Ostrich ferns prefer shady conditions. These ferns are tougher than most, though, and can tolerate a decent amount of sunlight as long as they do not dry out. The more sun they are in, the more moisture they require.

How much are ostrich ferns?

5-10 $6.99 ea.

How do you divide ostrich ferns?

In mid spring dig up a clump of ferns and cut off the fronds. With a sharp knife cut the rhizome into sections, each with at least one growing point (the point from which new shoots are emerging). Plant these individual sections and add organic material to help growth and drainage. Each of these will form a new fern.

Is ostrich fern an evergreen?

Ostrich Fern, Ostrich-Feather Fern, Shuttlecock Fern. Resembling long, feathery Ostrich plumes, Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern) is an elegant, upright to arching, deciduous fern with showy, finely dissected, fresh green sterile fronds.

Do ferns grow back if you cut them?

Ferns have fronds, rather than leaves, which last for only a year or so. The older fronds start to die back and turn brown while the new ones grow in. Cutting off the old growth will refresh the plant and leave you with only beautiful new fronds.

What are ostrich ferns used for?

The young shoots of ostrich fern, known as fiddleheads, are used to make medicine. People use ostrich fern as a gargle for sore throat. Ostrich fern is sometimes applied directly to the skin for wounds and boils. In foods, fiddleheads are regarded as a seasonal delicacy.

How do I get rid of bracken ferns?

To get rid of bracken completely by cutting can take a number of years. Ideally the bracken should be cut three times in the season. A scythe or a brushcutter are best for all but the smallest areas.

How do you stop ferns from spreading?

Glyphosate, a non-selective, systemic herbicide, kills the rhizomes as well as the fronds of many invasive ferns. Choose a day with little wind, and then spray the fern’s fronds liberally with a ready-to-use glyphosate solution.

What happens to ostrich ferns in the winter?

A perfect candidate for a rain garden, the feathery fern plumes can reach six feet in height when happy, thus the common name ‘Ostrich Fern’. Dying back in winter, the fronds appear vigorously in the early spring, popping out of the ground almost overnight.

Are ostrich ferns drought tolerant?

“Not only is it drought tolerant but it spears quickly and consistently. Aesthetically, it’s a smart addition to a rustic or contemporary garden.” A favorite formal fern of Don DeLano, journal editor of the Los Angeles Fern Society International, it will grow outdoors in Southern California in full sun to full shade.

What is the largest fern in North America?

Dryopteris goldieanaClade:TracheophytesDivision:PolypodiophytaClass:PolypodiopsidaOrder:Polypodiales

What is the smallest fern?

Azolla caroliniana – an aquatic fern (average size, 0.5–1.5 cm), is the smallest fern on the earth. Our discovery discloses a new species of adder’s tongue fern and ranking it among the smallest terrestrial fern in the world, attaining an average size of only 1–1.2 cm.