Description

Key Information:

Soil: Hydric (Wet) – Mesic (Medium)
Sun: Part Shade – Full Shade
Height: 3-4 feet
Flowers: Non-flowering

More Detail:

Suggested Uses: Ostrich ferns grow well in moist, shady woodland areas, wild gardens or wet areas near streams or ponds. We recommend planting them in conjunction with early spring wildflowers (e.g., trilliums, bloodroot, trout lilies or Dutchman’s breeches) which will be going dormant by the time this fern reaches full size.

Native Range: Native to the Great Lakes and the Northeastern U.S. Native to woodlands throughout the state of Minnesota.

Habitat: The leaves provide food for herbivores and cover for small mammals and birds.

Food uses: The emerging “fiddleheads” are sought after in the spring and eaten cooked. They are considered a delicacy in Japan. Consume at your own risk.

More information: USDA plant profile