Ostrich Fern (Fiddleheads) (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

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

The premier culinary wild fern of North America. Emerging tightly coiled spring fronds resemble the scrolled head of a violin, prized for their rich asparagus flavor.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Crisp, tender, succulent cross between young asparagus, sweet snap peas, and artichoke. — Gently rub away brown papery scales in cool water bath; MUST be boiled for 10-15 minutes or steamed for 10-12 minutes; Sautéed in butter with minced wild ramps and lemon zest; Pickled in cider vinegar with mustard seed and dill

Habitat & North American Range

River bottom floodplains, swamp margins, rich alluvial sandbars, and shaded cool streams. (Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)