White Flower Farm
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Best tall native fern for low-maintenance, deer-resistant woodland landscaping.
The Ostrich Fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris, is a striking native fern that reaches an impressive 4-6 feet in height, creating a dramatic visual impact in shaded gardens. Its bright green, deciduous fronds unfurl beautifully, adding lush texture to woodland settings and landscape plantings. This fern spreads naturally via underground runners, making it ideal for naturalizing in dappled shade. It thrives in light to heavy shade and adapts well to both average and moist, well-drained soils. This deer-resistant plant offers easy care and a touch of wild elegance.
$22.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1692
/ 3069
#1692 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-20%
Below average
Common Name
Ostrich Fern
/ Ostrich Fern
Who it's for
- Foraging enthusiasts interested in harvesting seasonal edible fiddleheads
- Gardeners seeking a bold, structural focal point for shade
- Cold-climate residents needing low-maintenance, winter-resilient greenery
Who should skip it
- Landscapers prioritizing year-round foliage and winter garden interest
- Small-space gardeners worried about invasive, fast-spreading root systems
- Busy homeowners unable to provide consistent, reliable summer irrigation
Performance breakdown
Naturalizing Potential
Aggressive underground runners make this fern a master of woodland colonization.
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in deep shade where most flowering perennials struggle to survive.
Deer Resistance
Reliably ignored by local wildlife, keeping your garden beds intact.
Visual Impact
Dramatic height and lush texture create an instant architectural focal point.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal intervention once established in the correct moist environment.
Environmental Adaptability
Demands consistent moisture, limiting placement options in drier garden climates.
Key Specs
Common Name
Ostrich Fern
Scientific Name
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Mature Height
4-6'
Mature Width
24-30"
Hardiness Zone
3-7S/9W
Exposure
Part Shade to Shade
Growth Habit
Fern
Lifespan
Perennial
Features
- Tall native fern reaching 4-6 feet
- Dramatic bright green deciduous fronds
- Spreads naturally via underground runners
- Excellent for naturalizing in shade
- Deer resistant plant
- Thrives in light to heavy shade
- Adaptable to average or moist soil
- Easy care difficulty level
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the exceptional quality and health of the Ostrich Ferns upon arrival. Reviewers consistently note the superior size and robustness of the root systems compared to other nurseries. This excellent starting material leads directly to rapid establishment and vigorous growth, quickly creating lush, woodland settings. The reliability of the stock is a major highlight, validating the farm's reputation for premium perennials. While the high price point is a recurring consideration, most customers conclude that the guaranteed success and superior plant size make the investment worthwhile. Satisfaction remains high for those prioritizing premium quality and dependable performance.
Know before you buy
Since these ferns reach a mature width of 24-30 inches and spread via underground runners, you should space them about 2 to 3 feet apart to allow them room to naturalize and fill in over time.
No, Ostrich Ferns are best suited for light to heavy shade. Exposure to full sun, especially in the afternoon, will likely scorch the fronds and cause the plant to struggle.
These ferns are considered deer-resistant, making them a reliable choice for woodland gardens or landscapes where deer pressure is a common concern.
Ostrich Ferns have a high water requirement and perform best in consistently moist, well-drained soil. They are an excellent choice for low-lying areas of the garden that stay damp.
Matteuccia struthiopteris is a deciduous perennial, meaning the fronds will die back to the ground after the first frost. They will return with fresh, vibrant growth each spring.
While they are primarily used for naturalizing in garden beds, they can be grown in large containers if you ensure the soil stays consistently moist. Keep in mind that their tendency to spread via runners makes them much better suited for in-ground landscape plantings.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$22