A large North American and European fern named for its vase-shaped clumps of plume-like sterile fronds, the source of edible spring fiddleheads.
Description
Ostrich fern forms a tall vase-like rosette of bright green sterile fronds resembling ostrich plumes. Stiff brown fertile fronds emerge in late summer and stand through winter.
Cultivation
It prefers cool, rich, moist soil in shade and spreads by underground runners to form colonies in low-lying woods and stream banks.
Uses
Tightly coiled young fronds called fiddleheads are foraged in spring and eaten boiled or stir-fried, a delicacy of New England and Quebec cuisines. Always cook them thoroughly to neutralize natural toxins.
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Ostrich Fern starts with O and ends with N. Browse other plants along the same letter.
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