The King Ostrich Fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris
mat-TEW-kee-uh stroo-thee-OP-ter-iss
Perennials: Fern
Ostrich Fern
Zone
2: -50° to -40°
Min. Temp
Hardy: 28°
It is one of the most impressive ferns of all, with very long, gracefully arching stipes rising from a large crown and spreading out in a vase shape to hold their enormous, finely cut fronds up for your careful inspection.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Green
Habit
Mounding
Height
4–6 ft
Spread
4–6 ft
Form
Plume
Characteristics
Type
Cultivar
Safety
Non-toxic
Growth Rate
Slow
Tolerance/Resistance
Cold Hardy, Tolerates standing water
Attracts
Doesn't Attract Beneficials
Uses/Placement
Woodland
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Shade: 3-4 hrs
Soil Texture
Loamy
Soil Drainage
Poorly drained
Soil Moisture
Average to Moist
Soil PH
Slightly Acidic: 6.0-6.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly acidic soil
Soil Amendment(s)
Organic Matter Recommended
Fertilizer
Minimal Fertilizer Needed
Fertilizer Formula
Balanced Fertilizer
Fertilizer Timing
Early Spring
Micronutrients
Trace Minerals Beneficial
Care
Care Level
Moderate
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Slow Spreader
Propagation Method
Wind Pollinated
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Spring Division