Ostrich Ferns
Interesting facts about ostrich ferns
Ostrich ferns are also known about shuttlecock ferns, and they’re native to some of the more temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Ostrich ferns are the perfect way to add green foliage to any outdoor space. They also add plenty of drama to a landscape, creating texture for a green backdrop that accentuates any colorful backyard.
The ostrich fern is one of the tallest native ferns in the world, growing to be between four and six feet tall. The crown is vertical, which means the fronds grow straight up. The fronds of this plant strongly resemble ostrich plumes, which is why the plant has earned its name.
There are two major cycles in the life of ostrich ferns. During the summer, you get a dramatic, showy display of green texture. During this time in the plant’s life, the fronds are known as sterile fronds. During the early spring, the fronds bear spores to gear up for the growing season. Spore-bearing fronds are dark brown, shorter, and much less showy. The plants may even look like they are dead, but they’re actually preparing themselves for another year of growing.
One important thing to remember about ostrich ferns is that they can spread like wildfire. They send out lateral shoots that will form new crowns, and they can take over your yard if you’re not careful. Ostrich ferns prefer riverbanks and coastal areas, and they can spread far even in a water-logged area. This type of plant will thrive in either average or moist soil. These plants are also very strong, which means they can withstand plenty of rushing water when they stick together.
The most common use of ostrich ferns is as an ornamental plant. When choosing a place to put them, look for an area that’s protected from wind. Although these plants are quite hardy, they may tend to break and lose their beauty earlier in the year if they don’t have a little bit of protection from the wind. You may want to also consider some shade for this plant, although it will also grow perfectly well in full sun if it’s got plenty of water. You should also remember that this type of plant is native to marshy areas, so they’re perfect if you’ve got an area of yard that doesn’t drain very well.
This type of fern is also very easy to transplant. All you need to do is dig up the crown and transplant it. This type of plant pairs perfect with hostas, shrubs, and other perennials. Just about the only thing you’ll have to do regularly to care for this type of plant is thin it out occasionally. This will keep it from spreading throughout your entire yard.
You may have a difficult time finding any ostrich ferns because it is a very rare plant, but you should always start by checking with your local garden center. If they don’t have any, there are some websites you can order them on.