A large native fern with tall arching fronds (up to 6 ft) emerging from a central crown. Young rolled fronds ("fiddleheads") are an edible spring delicacy — but must be cooked thoroughly.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Matteuccia is a genus of ferns with one species: Matteuccia struthiopteris. The species epithet struthiopteris comes from Ancient Greek words στρουθίων (strouthíōn) "ostrich" and πτερίς (pterís) "fern".
Source: Wikipedia — Matteuccia Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Large fern with feathery green vegetative fronds; distinct stiff brown fertile fronds.
Similar species. Interrupted Fern. Other large native ferns.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Large fern of moist woodlands and stream banks. Young fiddleheads are edible (must be cooked thoroughly to neutralize compounds).
§ Range
Northern North America
§ Habitat
Wet woodlands, riparian areas, stream banks
§ Threats
Forest loss, over-harvest of fiddleheads, invasive species (especially garlic mustard).
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the ostrich fern is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Plant in shaded wet corners. Harvest no more than 2–3 fiddleheads per crown. Always cook thoroughly.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Matteuccia
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Matteuccia struthiopteris
- iNaturalist · taxon 124926
- IUCN Red List — search for Matteuccia struthiopteris
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Matteuccia struthiopteris
§ Sources cited
- USDA Plants Database
- Native Plant Trust
