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Submit a photoOstrich Fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Alberta's largest native fern — graceful vase-shaped clumps of arching plume-like fronds reaching 1–1.5 m tall. Named for the resemblance of the fronds to ostrich tail feathers. The tightly coiled spring fiddleheads are a prized edible (cook thoroughly; raw fiddleheads cause GI upset). Spreads by rhizome to form colonies in moist shade.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Boreal, Parkland moist woods, Zone 2
Light
Part to full shade
Bloom Time
Ferns do not flower
Soil
Moist, rich, humus-rich
Water
High
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Rhizome division in spring (easiest — separate rooted crowns). Spore propagation is slow but possible in damp, humid conditions.
Always verify plant identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. This information is for educational purposes only.
