A spectacular large Missouri native fern, Ostrich Fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris, creates a spectacular display with upright to arching deep green fronds that typically grow 2-3′ tall but may reach 6′ tall in moist, cool, ideal conditions. Its long ostrich plumes have a feathery look. Fiddleheads emerge in spring. A vigorous grower Ostrich Fern spreads by rhizomes to form dense colonies.

Use Ostrich Fern in shady areas as a backdrop to other shade-loving plants or as a stand-alone specimen. It mingles beautifully with Hista and other large-leaved plants. Ostrich Fern makes an ideal ground cover for under trees and looks particularly lovely along creeks and ponds.

Plant in shade to part shade in soil that has been amended with compost. Ostrich Fern grows best in rich soil with consistent moisture, although it tolerates drought well.