Ostrich Fern One of the most beautiful ferns for a damp or even a wet site, Matteuccia struthiopteris is known as the ostrich fern for its beautiful, fresh green, feather-like sterile fronds. These surround shorter, brown fertile ones at the centre. It’s a tall (up to 6’/1.8m), vigorous, deciduous fern with an elegant, upright to arching ‘shuttlecock’ habit, and will slowly spread to form large colonies where suited. A wonderful fern to establish in a semi-wild bog garden or beside a stream. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: ShelteredSoils: humus-rich, well-drained soil which does not dry outPosition: Partial shade, full shadeSeason of interest: Spring, summer, autumnHardiness: HardyHeight to 4’ (1.2m) Spread to 1’6” (75cm)