How big does Ostrich fern grow?

About 1.5 m × 2 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.9–1.8 m × 0.6–2.4 m.

What soil does Ostrich fern grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Is Ostrich fern hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Ostrich fern toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How much water does Ostrich fern need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

Ostrich fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is a perennial that reaches 1.5 m × 2 m after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €9.

Illustration of Ostrich fern — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

With its fresh green fronds standing in a shuttlecock shape like ostrich plumes, the ostrich fern is one of the most striking plants for damp, shady corners. It spreads strongly by underground runners and builds a whole colony within a few years, so plant it where that is welcome or pull out the offsets regularly. It needs constantly moist soil and shade: in sun and dry ground the fronds scorch.

Watch out for

It is a protected plant in the wild and must not be dug up from nature: plant only nursery-propagated stock. It spreads strongly by underground runners, quickly outgrows a small garden or perennial bed and crowds out its neighbours. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the fronds brown and scorch as early as midsummer if the soil dries out or the plant gets sun, so it belongs only in shade and constantly moist ground and needs watering in drought. Wind breaks the brittle fronds, so give it a sheltered spot.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: High
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	0.9–1.8 m × 0.6–2.4 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	no data
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	60 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €9

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-40 cm	approx. €9

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Perennials for part shade Perennials for clay soil

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