Plant Name

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Matteuccia struthiopteris (Syn. Matteuccia pennsylvanica)

Common Name

Ostrich Fern, Shuttlecock Fern

Fern Type

Shielder Ferns, Buckler Ferns, Holly Ferns and their Relatives
 

Soil

Acidic sandy loam

Sun Aspect

Part Shade

Soil Moisture

Wet

Plant Type

Terrestrial Deciduous Fern

Height x Spread in feet

5.5 x 3

Foliage Colour and Shape/ Division

Mid Green pinnate fronds taper at both ends and grow in a vase-like cluster around the robust rootstock.

Frond Length

24-60 inches

Comment

A vigorous fern which spreads by underground rhizomes, producing clusters of new fronds at intervals. Each cluster eventually develops a small trunk.

Photos from Bird of Coblands Nurseries Ltd.

Available from Coblands Nurseries Ltd and Palmstead Nurseries Ltd.

Use of Fern

• Ferns found on Limestone or Basic Soils (Calciphiles)

Grow in moist shade in a woodland garden, a damp border or at the edge of a pond.