Synonym(s)
Onoclea struthiopteris
Common Name
Ostrich fern
Plant Form
Fern & Fern Allies
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
5.0
Width (ft)
2.0 -
4.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Region
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5,
6,
7,
8
Habitat
Rich alluvial forests. Rare, Virginia mountains and Piedmont; known from Meadow Creek in Craig County, the New River in Wythe County, and the Potomac River in Fairfax and Arlington counties.
Wildlife value
Provide substantial protective cover to various kinds of wildlife
Gardening tips
Space at 18 inches. This fern is a good spreader. Can quickly naturalize an area. In floodplains, they grow well together with Virginia bluebells and paw paw trees
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
Light Requirements
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Deer Resitant
Yes
Tolerates
Commercially available
Yes
Nurseries that may carry live plant
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