Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia pensylvanica)

Family: Polypodiaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Matteuccia pensylvanica is a FERN growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. The seeds ripen from August to October. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young fronds - raw or cooked. Used before they fully unroll, they are thick and succulent. — Young fronds - raw or cooked.; Used before they fully unroll, they are thick and succulent.; Sometimes sold in speciality markets according to some reports, whilst another says that they are a famine food that is only used when all else fails.; Rootstock - peeled and roasted.

Habitat & North American Range

Rich woods, often in alluvial or mucky swamp soils from sea level to elevations of 1500 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)