Tennessee Ostrich Fern (Glade)

The Tennessee ostrich fern's large, majestic fronds are its most unique characteristic. Named for their resemblance to an ostrich feather, the fronds unfurl from tight fiddleheads to reveal lush, filly plumes.This fern will require ample moisture, full shade to partial sun and rich soil. Deer tend to prefer tastier plants, meaning they will avoid the ferns. Smaller ostrich ferns thrive in a large planter or container on a deck or balcony, provided they are not in full sunlight. The ferns are perennials, so they can be expected to grow in lawns or gardens year after year. Their hardiness makes them ideal for difficult-to-plant regions, including those that receive frost and snow in the winter.

The Fern's Growth

This fern produces a new set of new fronds, called crowns, each year surrounding the previous year's growth. This means that the fern will consistenly grow in size year after year. Once the fern reaches its desired size, it can be easily divided by splitting the root ball and replanting each half. If you're a fan of edible foliage, the fern's young leaves, called fiddleheads, are considered a delicacy and can be cooked or steamed. Try them in a recipe as a replacement for other bitter greens like swiss chard.

Tennessee Ostrich Fern Uses

The fern can be expected to grow to between 3 and 6 feet with lush, green fronds. They make an ideal backdrop for annual flowering plants and are large enough to be used to delineate different sections of a landscape. Fern fronds can also be used to provide lush green color and texture to cut flower bouquets and arrangements.

Garden Plant Nursery Has Many Ferns to Choose From

Bloom Season - Non-flowering

Bloom Color - n/a

Height at Maturity - 3-6ft

Soil Type Preferred - Fertile, moist soil

Sun or Shade - Full shade, tolerates partial sunlight

Read more Read less