Species PlantsOstrich Fern

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

CommonPlant
Illustration of Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

Ostrich Fern is a large, graceful fern with feathery fronds that resemble ostrich plumes. It is a popular ornamental plant and is also known for its edible fiddleheads.

Habitat
Found in moist, shaded woodlands and along stream banks.
Diet
Provides cover and habitat for small forest animals.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Ostrich Fern

The best time to see a Ostrich Fern is April–June, when about 69% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 16,825 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Ostrich Fern? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Ostrich Fern sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Ostrich Fern? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Ostrich Fern is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love plants? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More plants

Oval-leaved Blueberry
Oval-leaved Blueberry
Vaccinium ovalifolium
Overcup Oak
Overcup Oak
Quercus lyrata
Oxeye Daisy
Oxeye Daisy
Leucanthemum vulgare
Pacific Blackberry
Pacific Blackberry
Rubus ursinus
Pacific Bleeding Heart
Pacific Bleeding Heart
Dicentra formosa
Pacific Crabapple
Pacific Crabapple
Malus fusca
Pacific Dogwood
Pacific Dogwood
Cornus nuttallii
Pacific Madrone
Pacific Madrone
Arbutus menziesii