Matteuccia
( mat - TEW - kee - ah )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of ferns includes species commonly known as Ostrich Fern, Shuttlecock Fern or Fiddlehead Fern. They need full sun in cooler climates, but can take partial shade in warmer ones. Fiddleheads are hardy ferns native to northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Individual plants can reach 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide at maturity, but may only reach a third to half that size in mountainous or drier climates. These ferns spread via underground rhizomes, and are attractive in woodland gardens, along bodies of water, or in mixed beds and borders. They can be mass-planted as erosion control or groundcovers, and are also commonly added to rain gardens and other wet areas. The genus Matteuccia is a member of the plant family Onocleaceae and includes just one species, Matteuccia struthiopteris. Ostrich Ferns grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-7 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-10 and 14-17. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map. Take care when planting these ferns in the landscape, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
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Caring for Matteuccia
Before planting these ferns, consider installing a root barrier 12 to 24 inches deep to prevent them from aggressively spreading. Matteuccia, or Ostrich Ferns, are easy to care for and low-maintenance as long as their growing conditions are met. Plant in an area that is in full to partial shade, ensuring that during the warmest hours of the day (typically between 2 and 3 PM) that it is not in direct sunlight. They love rich, damp soil and can tolerate considerable sun if given enough water (keep the soil constantly moist in these conditions), but they do prefer to be planted in areas with full or partial shade. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). Their ideal substrate is one that is loamy with plenty of humus. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, consistent waterings are key to prevent them from drying out, which will cause them to become brown and wilted. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning can be done after new growth has appeared; dead and dying areas should be left on the plant until spring because they actually mulch and protect the emerging growth. If these ferns are grown in a cramped space like a narrow border or container, they will need to be divided every few years for best results. For instructions on how to successfully divide your Ostrich Fern, see the propagation section below. If cared for properly, individual ferns can survive in the garden for 75 years or more.
Caring for Matteuccia in Containers
Ostrich Ferns are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Matteuccia plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot or divide plants. For instructions on how to successfully divide Matteuccia ferns, see the Propagation section below.
Harvesting Matteuccia
Please note that Fiddleheads should never be consumed raw, as they can cause gastrointestinal distress. They must be thoroughly cooked before serving. Matteuccia, or Ostrich Fern, produces young shoots in springtime that are called Fiddleheads. They have a taste similar to Asparagus or Green Beans, and have a sweet, earthy flavor. Fiddleheads are harvested mid-spring when they are between 2 and 6 inches tall and tightly coiled. Pick one to two fiddleheads per plant, leaving the rest to mature, and only harvest from established plants that have at least 4 to 6 emerging fronds. The immature tips can simply be snapped or cut off using clean, sharp shears or snips. The coils are covered with a brownish, papery husk that easily rubs off. Remove this husk and then boil for between 10 and 15 minutes. They can be sautéed after boiling with cooking oil or butter. Fiddleheads are commonly served as a side dish, added to salads or stir fries, or added to blended soups.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, consistent waterings are key to prevent them from drying out, which will cause them to become brown and wilted. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning can be done after new growth has appeared; dead and dying areas should be left on the plant until spring because they actually mulch and protect the emerging growth. If these ferns are grown in a cramped space like a narrow border or container, they will need to be divided every few years for best results. For instructions on how to successfully divide your Ostrich Fern, see the propagation section below. If cared for properly, individual ferns can survive in the garden for 75 years or more.
Caring for Matteuccia in Containers
Ostrich Ferns are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Matteuccia plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot or divide plants. For instructions on how to successfully divide Matteuccia ferns, see the Propagation section below.
Harvesting Matteuccia
Please note that Fiddleheads should never be consumed raw, as they can cause gastrointestinal distress. They must be thoroughly cooked before serving. Matteuccia, or Ostrich Fern, produces young shoots in springtime that are called Fiddleheads. They have a taste similar to Asparagus or Green Beans, and have a sweet, earthy flavor. Fiddleheads are harvested mid-spring when they are between 2 and 6 inches tall and tightly coiled. Pick one to two fiddleheads per plant, leaving the rest to mature, and only harvest from established plants that have at least 4 to 6 emerging fronds. The immature tips can simply be snapped or cut off using clean, sharp shears or snips. The coils are covered with a brownish, papery husk that easily rubs off. Remove this husk and then boil for between 10 and 15 minutes. They can be sautéed after boiling with cooking oil or butter. Fiddleheads are commonly served as a side dish, added to salads or stir fries, or added to blended soups.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Propagation
Matteuccia ferns are best propagated via division. This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost, and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall (after the plant has entered dormancy but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing fern. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your fern into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section.
- Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided ferns in soil at the same height as they were previously, and water thoroughly.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch around the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it grow.
Problems and Pests
Matteucia, or Ostrich Ferns, are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Root Rot
- Foliar Leaf Spot
- Tip Necrosis
- Caterpillars
- Black Vine Weevil
- Slugs and Snails
Gallery
These ferns are considered a spring delicacy, with a flavor similar to Asparagus or Green Beans.
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Ostrich fern is fronted with Pansies in this shaded border.
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Use Matteuccia ferns as groundcover.
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Videos
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 437, Matteuccia struthiopteris
