Matteuccia struthiopteris

Struisvaren / Ostrich fern, Shuttlecock Fern

Onocleaceae (Bolletjesvarenfamilie)

Northern America (east), Asia (east), Europe (east), Europe (north)

Edible plant part (3)

Flowers, shoots (growing), leaves
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Ostrich fern, Shuttlecock Fern belongs to the herbacious layer in the food forest. The growth rate is fast. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 0.6 to 1.8 meter and a width of 0.6 meter.
This species forms a rhizomes root system. This species is strongly spreading in the food forest. Ostrich fern, Shuttlecock Fern is no nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Brian, https://www.flickr.com/photos/aeranthes/26356505424

foto: Brian, https://www.flickr.com/photos/aeranthes/26356505424

foto: John Winder, https://www.flickr.com/photos/83833206@N00/33865051042

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

slightly acid

neutral

alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor