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Ostrich Ferns Offer Something For Every Season

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - What's that sticking up out of the snow? Feathers? No, it might be the fertile fronds of our native ostrich fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris.

Native to the northeast, ostrich ferns fill shady spots with lush greenery through summer and fall. In winter, the still-standing brown fronds look like feathers stuck in the snow, a nice decoration for gardens that can be remarkably bare at this time of year.

Prized for their deer-resistance and ability to thrive in shady wooded areas, ostrich ferns can survive in sunnier spots if properly mulched to stay moist.

In springtime, their delicately curved fiddleheads of new growth will appear from the soil. These very young fiddleheads are edible, but they grow bitter quickly. So where you see ostrich fern 'feathers' right now, keep an eye out for the freshly-curled fiddleheads in the months to come. You can forage for them to steam or sauté some as a side dish or enjoy them as an early spring salad.

Learn more at MissouriBotanicalGarden.org.

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