Matteuccia struthiopteris
Common Name: Ostrich Fern
Ostrich Fern is a striking deciduous fern that can reach 2 to 6 feet in height. It prefers moist, shaded areas such as swampy woods, woodland edges, and streambanks. Its large, feathery fronds create a lush, tropical effect in shade gardens. This fern spreads by rhizomes, making it useful for erosion control and as a natural ground cover. The young fiddleheads are edible and were traditionally consumed by Indigenous peoples.
