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A fast spreader with large attractive green fronds that reach 3 feet tall on average, but up to 6 feet tall with consistent moisture, the Ostrich Fern is a beautiful North American native plant that can be planted in shady to partially shaded contained areas to limit its spread or will colonize in moist ditches, lowlands and other areas with consistently moist soil. That said, it will adapt to average garden soils, and even under large trees, but just won't grow quite as large. In fall, 18" brown fertile fronds appear that persist through the winter.

Growing in impressive clumps 3 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide (depending on climate), the Ostrich Fern is wonderful addition to the woodland garden. The shiny but leathery fronds form a striking upright architectural specimen in the garden. Use as an accent or in groupings. Despite being native to swamps, this hardy fern performs very well in normal garden conditions. Also a fine addition to Asian/Japanese gardens, rock gardens, tropical look gardens and around garden ponds and other bodies of water.

The Ostrich Fern is easy to grow in slightly acidic to alkaline, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils of average fertility in part shade to shade. It will tolerate dry conditions for a period of time but prefers a moist soil. It prefers some shade or dappled shade throughout the day though morning sun with afternoon shade is fine.

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant, fertilize, prune and water perennial ferns.

How To Fertilize & Water Perennial Fern Plants