Ostrich Fern

About this plant

The Ostrich Fern, *Onoclea struthiopteris*, is a magnificent addition to any shade garden, celebrated for its striking, vase-shaped form and lush, vibrant green foliage. Its sterile fronds emerge in spring, unfurling to reveal a feathery texture reminiscent of ostrich plumes, hence its common name. These fronds can reach impressive heights, adding a dramatic, architectural element to damp, shady areas. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Ostrich Fern is known for its edible fiddleheads, which are a springtime delicacy when harvested young. This hardy perennial rapidly colonizes, forming dense colonies that effectively suppress weeds and create a tranquil, woodland ambiance. It's an excellent choice for naturalized settings, along stream banks, or in rain gardens. Easy to grow and maintain, the Ostrich Fern thrives in consistently moist, rich soil and partial to full shade. It offers year-round textural interest, with its fertile fronds persisting through winter, even after the sterile fronds have faded, providing a subtle, dark contrast against the snow.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Maintain consistently moist soil; avoid letting it dry out completely. Amend soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Divide clumps every few years in spring to manage spread and rejuvenate growth. Minimal pruning is required, primarily to remove any damaged or faded fronds.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.