Ostrich ferns are native to B.C. and have edible fiddleheads (young, curled leaves) in the spring.
Though many ferns produce fiddleheads, not all are edible or desirable. Ostrich Fern fiddleheads are the variety of fiddleheads that is sold in grocery stores and served in restaurants.
The emergence of fiddleheads in the spring is followed by bright green, feather-like fronds, which hold their bright green colour throughout the season. The fronds will die back each winter, to reemerge the following spring.
Like most ferns, Ostrich Ferns like moist, rich soil in a shady location. They can spread aggressively underground, so choose a location where you want a patch of them or where they will be easy to remove if they spread further than desired.
Common names: Ostrich Fern, Fiddlehead Fern, Shuttlecock Fern
Edible: Fiddleheads
Harvest timing: March - April
Scientific name: Matteuccia struthiopteris
Light requirements: Shade to part shade
Full-grown size: 3-6'
Hardiness: Zone 3
Wildlife: Fronds foraged by herbivores
Origin: Native to North America, including B.C.
Noteworthy: Edible fiddleheads when prepared correctly.
WE DO NOT SHIP LIVE PLANTS. THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP AT OUR NURSERY IN ERRINGTON, BC.
