Ostrich fern

Profile

Family

Onocleaceae

Habit

perennial

Height

1.2 m

Spread

0.5 m

Growth

fast

Lifespan

20 years

First yield

after 2 years

Hardiness

zone 2–8

Shade tolerance

full shade

Soil

Sand, Silt

Soil moisture

semi-dry – near water

pH

5 – 7

Synonyms

Onoclea germanica, Pterinodes struthiopteris, Struthiopteris germanica

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Junge Wedel – roh oder gekocht. Sie werden verwendet, bevor sie sich vollständig entrollen, da sie dick und saftig sind. Manchmal werden sie in Spezialmärkten verkauft, ihr Geschmack ist mit dem von Spargel vergleichbar. Einem anderen Bericht zufolge handelt es sich um ein Hungermittel, das in China nur in Notzeiten verwendet wird. Wurzelstock – geschält und geröstet.Junge, eingerollte Wedel (Fiddleheads): In Nordamerika als Wildgemüse gekocht (nur in Maßen!).

Medicinal: A decoction made from the base of the sterile fronds' leaf stalk is consumed for treating back pain and is also believed to help accelerate the expulsion of the afterbirth. Medication: Root tea (traditionally used for rheumatism - not scientifically proven).

Other uses: Plants make for effective ground cover when spaced about 60 cm apart in all directions. They spread slowly, and their fronds tend to die off earlier in the autumn compared to most ferns.

Growing

Landscaping and gardening: flower beds, container plants, individual plants, woodland garden. Requires a moist, well-drained location and light shade. Thrives in heavy clay soils. Dislikes full sun, as leaves may turn yellow and burn. Prefers a pH between 5 and 6.5. Dormant plants are hardy to at least -20°C. Rarely bothered by browsing deer. Highly decorative and quickly establishes. Has a short rhizome but forms long runners, leading to rapid spread post-establishment and potential invasiveness. Fertile fronds develop after the first vegetative growth and persist through the following winter. Spores are shed in midwinter. Commercially grown for its decorative fronds, also available as food in specialty stores. Can be forced in winter to produce early shoots. Notable for attractive foliage, native to North America, invasive, and non-flowering. Heat-resistant in zones 8 to 1. Growth and root pattern information is useful for polyculture design and above-ground architecture. The plant spreads indefinitely through rhizomes or runners. Root pattern is rhizomatous, with underground stems emitting roots and shoots along their entire length.

Propagation

Sow seeds on the surface in late winter and keep the soil moist. Store the pot in a sealed plastic bag to retain moisture. Once seedlings are large enough, transplant them into small groups and let them grow in partial shade until ready for outdoor planting. Divide plants during the dormant period between October and March. Larger groups can be directly transplanted to their final location. Smaller groups, however, should be potted and grown further in a cold frame until well-rooted before planting outdoors in spring.

Value for wildlife

Ökologischer Wert Lebensraum: Schafft feuchte Mikrohabitate für Insekten & Amphibien. Vögel: Nutzen Wedel als Nistmaterial.

Origin & habitat

Northern temperate region. Sometimes established in the country.

Rich and moist thickets.