The Best Native Shrubs for Year-Round Interest and Seasonal Color
Native shrubs offer some of the most reliable, low maintenance, and ecologically beneficial options ...
Do you have a shady, damp spot in your yard with recurring erosion problems? If so, Ostrich Ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris, also known as Matteuccia pensylvanica) may be the perfect solution. This native fern of North America not only thrives in wet areas but also brings dramatic height, texture, and lush greenery to shade gardens.
Ferns are enjoying a resurgence of popularity in landscaping. Homeowners and garden designers are rediscovering their beauty and versatility, especially in shady landscapes where flowering plants struggle. Ferns are also prized for their superb deer resistance, making them ideal for rural and suburban properties plagued by browsing wildlife.
Additionally, with the increasingly wet climate patterns we’ve experienced in recent years, moisture-loving plants like ferns are in high demand. They provide natural solutions for areas prone to drainage issues, soggy soils, and erosion control challenges.
Among the many excellent fern varieties—Interrupted Fern, Christmas Fern, Tassel Fern, and Maidenhair Fern—the one I return to again and again for its adaptability and striking appearance is the Ostrich Fern.
The Ostrich Fern is one of the most versatile shade garden plants available. It thrives in a wide range of conditions, tolerating both wet and moderately dry soils, and growing well in full shade to part sun. Once established, Ostrich Ferns spread by underground rhizomes, allowing them to form colonies. This makes them perfect for:
Erosion control on slopes, embankments, and drainage swales
Rain gardens and stormwater management designs
Streambanks and pond edges, where water-loving perennials thrive
Mass plantings as a dramatic, feathery backdrop for other shade perennials
With their towering fronds reaching up to six feet tall, Ostrich Ferns create a bold, architectural statement. In early spring, the bright green fronds unfurl almost overnight, forming dense, lush clumps that expand yearly. By summer, they provide a dramatic ground cover that suppresses weeds and stabilizes soil.
Later in the season, dark brown fertile fronds appear, often mistaken for dead foliage. In reality, these are spore-bearing fronds essential for reproduction. Gardeners can even collect and propagate spores to expand their fern collection.
For floral enthusiasts, Ostrich Fern fronds are a hidden gem. The lush green fronds make excellent additions to fresh flower arrangements, while the dried brown fronds add unique texture to dried bouquets.
One of the most unique features of Ostrich Ferns is their edible fiddleheads, or the tightly coiled young fronds that emerge in early spring. These are considered a gourmet delicacy in many regions.
When harvesting fiddleheads:
Look for coils about 1–1.5 inches in diameter, close to the ground
Remove any brown, papery coating before cooking
Wash thoroughly in cold water to remove dirt and grit
Cook soon after harvest for best flavor
Fiddleheads have a flavor often described as a cross between asparagus and nutty green beans. They pair beautifully with butter, olive oil, lemon, hollandaise sauce, tomatoes, and cheeses. They can be sautéed, steamed, or added to stir-fries.
Important note: Fiddleheads should never be eaten raw, as they can cause digestive upset. Cooking neutralizes any potential toxins while enhancing their flavor.
Nutritionally, they’re a powerhouse, packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them both a culinary and healthful spring harvest.
Native Plant Benefits: Supports biodiversity and adapts well to local climates.
Erosion Control: Spreads by rhizomes to stabilize soil naturally.
Low Maintenance: Once established, they thrive with minimal care.
Deer Resistant: A smart choice for areas with heavy deer pressure.
Rain Garden Ready: Handles seasonal flooding and soggy soil better than many perennials.
Aesthetic Appeal: Tall, feathery fronds create lush backdrops and natural woodland charm.
Edible & Ornamental: Provides both decorative value and seasonal harvests.
Claire is a horticulturist and landscape design consultant. As the owner of Claire Jones Landscapes, LLC, her designed gardens have been featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal and Style Magazine. She is also the author of The Garden Diaries, where she shares expert insights on native plants, shade gardening, pollinator habitats, and sustainable landscaping practices. At her home in Maryland, Claire tends three honeybee hives and cultivates a thriving garden filled with perennials, shrubs, and ferns.
Contact Direct Native Plants to buy ostrich ferns to cultivate your own native garden today.
