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Matteuccia struthiopteris
Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro
Ostrich Fern
Dryopteridaceae (Wood Fern Family)
Synonym(s): Matteuccia pensylvanica, Matteuccia struthiopteris var. pensylvanica, Matteuccia struthiopteris var. pubescens, Onoclea struthiopteris, Onoclea struthiopteris var. pensylvanica, Pteretis nodulosa, Pteretis pensylvanica
USDA Symbol: mast
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
The sterile fronds of ostrich fern are 2-10 ft. tall, once-pinnate, tapered at both base and apex, brown-stemmed, and slightly scaly. Fertile fronds are shorter, with edges of pinnae turned in to form a beaded plume persistent through winter. The rootstock is creeping, producing urn-like clusters of fronds.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Size Notes: Up to about 10 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not ApplicableBloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.
Distribution
USA: AK , CT , DC , IA , IL , IN , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , ND , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SD , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: NB , NL , NS , ON , PE
Native Distribution: Nf. to s. AK, s. to n. VA, MO, SD & s. B.C.
Native Habitat: Swamps; bottomland woods & thickets
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Cool, wet, sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Ostrich fern can become aggressive and should not be used in small spaces.
Propagation
Commercially Avail: yesNational Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACW | FACW | FACW | FACW | FACW | FAC | FACW |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Matteuccia struthiopteris in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Matteuccia struthiopteris in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Matteuccia struthiopteris
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-17Research By: TWC Staff