Ostrich Fern
Onoclea struthiopteris
- Native to:
- Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Korea, Kuril Is., Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Ukraine, United States
The Cosmonaut
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Pteridophyta | - Ferns
- Family:
- Aspleniaceae
- Genus:
- Onoclea
- Species:
- Onoclea struthiopteris
- USDA Symbol:
- MAST
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 180 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
golden ghost moth (Sthenopis auratus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moist, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- thrives in wetland areas and along streams
Propagation & Germination
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 90 days.
Notes: Seeds may require light for optimal germination.
Source: Claude AI