Fiddlehead Fern - Matteuccia Struthiopteris

Fiddlehead ferns are tightly coiled shoots resembling the scroll of a violin and are often used as a culinary delicacy. Their young, coiled fronds, such as the Ostrich type (Matteuccia struthiopteris), offer several benefits when landscaping projects. These unique and visually appealing plants have been admired for their charming appearance and practical uses in outdoor spaces.

Fiddlehead Fern is native to North America, northern Asia, and Europe. In North America, they are most commonly found in Eastern Canada, southern Alaska, and from Maine to Illinois. Matteuccia Struthiopteris gets its name from the crowns it develops in the spring. These crowns or fonds tend to resemble the heads of violins or feathers.

The Looks Of The Fiddlehead Fern 

It is famous for its vase shape and tall curled fonds. On average, gardeners can expect them to grow between three and four feet tall and one foot wide. However, once well established, they can grow up to six feet tall and have a width of up to eight feet. They are found naturally in wooded areas that have rivers or streams. It is considered a deciduous perennial that grows upright. They don't develop flowers. Instead, the leaves are bright to medium green. The plant grows in the spring, and it can reach heights of one and a half feet tall.

Where to Plant Fiddlehead Fern in Your Garden

They grow well in areas that lack full sun. Gardeners can enjoy planting them in shade gardens, along walls, and around trees and tall shrubs. When they develop their spore-bearing fronds in the summer, gardeners can dry them and use them in flower bouquets or arrangements in vases.

They Can Grow Several Inches A Day

It covers frogs and birds, especially robins, wrens, and wood thrushes, which tend to forage in them. These may also attract turtles, butterflies, and bees.

Companion Plants For Them

It grows well next to green ash, Virginia bluebells, wild ginger, swamp buttercup, common elderberry, golden Alexander, and wild blue phlox. It can also be planted under or near the American elm and silver maple tree. It makes beautiful additions to shade gardens and helps fill empty spaces under trees and around shrubs. It also has water features in any area that resemble its natural habitats.

Do they like sun or shade

They require partial to fully shaded areas, a condition that makes them suitable for forested or shaded garden beds. 

What are the characteristics of them

These are characterized by coiled fronds that bear some resemblance to scrolls of a musical instrument referred to as fiddle. It has bright green shoots that expand when growing. 

How long does it take to grow

They gradually develop within a week to two from shoots to fronds. Growth is very fast when the climate is wet and warm, and this usually happens during early spring. 

What season do they grow

They mainly thrive during the early months of spring. This is when their coiled fronds break through the ground and are harvested before they uncoil fully. 

How did it get its name

The Fiddlehead fern gets its name from its appearance, as the young frond looks like the peg that is wound with a violin. Due to their unique shape and spirals with which they grow, they have been recognized by the name.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Under 2 Feet

Care

Fiddlehead ferns prefer consistently moist soil, so water regularly to keep the soil damp. They thrive in well-draining, rich soil and benefit from frequent feeding with a fertilizer in the growing season. Prune back any dead or damaged fronds as needed.

Plant Reproduction

Fiddlehead Fern spreads via rhizomes and spores

Choose early spring or fall when the soil is moist and cool to plant healthy bare-root ferns. You can also use dormant plants to grow year-round. When you arrive, please soak the roots in water for several hours to rehydrate them. Ferns thrive in moist and shaded areas. Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread out the roots comfortably. Position the fern so the crown (where the roots meet the fronds) is just at or slightly below ground level. Gently backfill with soil firmly around the roots, and thoroughly water to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch for weed control and to retain moisture, ensuring the mulch does not touch the crown. Water during dry periods is used to keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid fertilizing in the first year, as ferns prefer nutrient-rich soil over direct fertilization.

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