Fiddle Fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
24"–60" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
WI
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.
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, backyard only.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Fiddle Fern fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.