Ostrich Fern
The Ostrich Fern, Both Beautiful And Edible
The Ostrich fern (matteuccia struthiopteris), also called the Shuttlecock fern, is found in temperate regions throughout the northern hemisphere. It is a crown-forming, and colony-forming fern. The tightly coiled immature fronds are edible, and can be cooked as vegetables.
The fern has been around for a long time, several hundred million years in fact, predating the dinosaur. They are found in every region on the planet, outside of the polar regions. There are approximately 12,000 different species of fern, the majority of which come from tropical areas. Ferns generally grow best when in surroundings having climatic conditions similar to those in which the plant evolved. That can put somewhat of a limit on the different species you could grow successfully in your home, or in your garden.
The Ostrich fern is most apt to be found near rivers, and on sandbars. They will grow in dense colonies, and as such, are somewhat resistant to damage or destruction by floodwaters. The fern has both fertile and sterile fronds. The sterile fronds are deciduous, growing to a height of nearly 2 feet, and are about a foot in width. The fronds resemble ostrich plumes, hence the name of the plant. The fertile fronds are much shorter, developing in the fall, growing over winter, and releasing spores in the spring.
The Ostrich fern, because of its native habitat, is obviously moisture loving. It can be grown in the same manner as most other fern species, having similar requirements for soil, temperature, light, and humidity. As it is often found on sandbars, the implication is that the Ostrich fern can tolerate some direct sun, at least to a greater extent than can most ferns. Still, when planted in your garden, or as a house plant, it's best kept in a shady or partially sunny area, if for no other reason than to prevent loss of moisture.
A loamy soil with good drainage is recommended. When planted indoors, the fern should have reasonably humid, and somewhat cool, conditions. When in the garden, it should be sheltered from the hot sun, and from drying winds as well.
Like other fern types, the Ostrich fern is fairly pest and disease resistant. If you purchase a plant in the nursery, inspect it carefully for any signs of insects before taking it home. Ferns generally do not tolerate insecticides, and if a plant does become infested, chances are it will need to be discarded.
As far as the culinary properties of the Ostrich fern are concerned, it is probably sufficient to note that the fiddleheads are considered a delicacy by many, especially in the northeastern part of the United States. If you don't wish to have the fiddleheads on your dinner plate, let them mature, and enjoy the ostrich plume show.