Fiddle Fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Last reviewed: August 2026
Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern) is a large deciduous fern native to Wisconsin and northern regions, thriving in moist, shaded areas. This elegant fern produces distinctive fiddle-shaped fiddleheads in spring.
Toxicity unknown
Fiddle Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
24"–60" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, CT, DE, FL and 28 more states
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Ostrich fern is a large, elegant fern that forms graceful shuttlecock-shaped clumps of bright green fronds. It thrives in moist, shady areas and spreads slowly by underground rhizomes to create natural colonies. The fronds die back completely in winter, emerging fresh each spring.
Growing Fiddle Fern
Grow Fiddle Fern in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fiddle Fern is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
- Can spread beyond intended areas over time
Wildlife value
Provides shelter and nesting material for birds and small mammals. The dense fronds offer cover for wildlife, though as a fern it does not produce flowers for pollinators.
Common questions
- Where is Matteuccia struthiopteris native to?
- Matteuccia struthiopteris is native to Wisconsin and other northern states, as well as eastern Canada.
- What growing conditions does Ostrich Fern prefer?
- Ostrich Fern grows best in partial shade to full shade with consistently moist to wet soil conditions.
- Does Matteuccia struthiopteris produce flowers?
- No, as a fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris reproduces by spores rather than flowers and does not have a bloom period.
- How large does Ostrich Fern grow?
- Ostrich Fern can reach 3 to 6 feet tall and spreads by underground rhizomes to form colonies.
- Is Fiddle Fern HOA-friendly?
- Fiddle Fern is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
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