Matteuccia struthiopteris
Ostrich Fern

Uses

Toxic parts

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable^[1]. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase^[2].

Edible uses

Notes

Young fronds - raw or cooked^[3]^[4]^[5]^[2]. Used before they fully unroll, they are thick and succulent^[6]. Sometimes sold in speciality markets, the flavour can be compared to asparagus^[1]. Another report says that they are a famine food that is only used in times of need in China^[7]. Rootstock - peeled and roasted^[8]^[2]^[6].

Leaves

Unknown use

Root

Unknown use

Material uses

Plants make a good ground cover^[1] when spaced about 60cm apart each way^[9]. They spread slowly and the fronds tend to die off earlier in the autumn than most ferns^[9].

There are no material uses listed for Matteuccia struthiopteris.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

A decoction of the leaf stalk base from sterile fronds has been taken in the treatment of back pain and also to help speed up the expulsion of the afterbirth^[10].

Unknown part

Birthing aid

Miscellany

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Spores - surface sow as soon as they are ripe in mid-winter and keep the soil moist. It is best to keep the pot in a sealed plastic bag to hold in the moisture. Pot up small clumps of the young plants as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on in light shade until large enough to plant out. Division during the dormant season between October and March^[11]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Matteuccia struthiopteris. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.

Cultivation

Requires a moist but well-drained position and light shade^[11]^[12]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Dislikes full sun, the leaves turning yellow and burning in such a situation^[1]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 6.5^[1].

Dormant plants are hardy to at least -20°c^[1]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer^[13]. A very ornamental plant^[11], it establishes rapidly^[12]. It has a short rhizome but produces long stolons, by which it spreads rapidly once established^[12], and it can be invasive^[1]. Fertile fronds are produced after the first flush of vegetative fronds and persist throughout the following winter. The spores are shed in mid-winter^[1].

Grown commercially for its decorative fronds^[8]. These fronds are also available as a food from speciality markets^[6]^[1]. Plants can be forced in the winter to provide an early supply of the young shoots^[6].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Matteuccia struthiopteris. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Matteuccia struthiopteris.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies