Latin Name: Matteuccia struthiopteris. Family: Onocleaceae (Ostritch fern)
USDA hardiness zone: 2
Growth habit: Slowly spreading medium herb
Mature size: 3”
Native range: North America
Preferred habitat: Wetland edegs, forest floor
Pollinators: Wind
Edible parts: Fiddleheads,
Uses and functions: Food, Medicinal
Iconic lowlands plant of northeast forests. Young, coiled leaves, called fiddleheads, are picked in early spring and eaten cooked or pickeled. Take 1/3 or so only per plant. Subtly beautiful understory plant that spreads slowly by runners.
Latin Name: Matteuccia struthiopteris. Family: Onocleaceae (Ostritch fern)
USDA hardiness zone: 2
Growth habit: Slowly spreading medium herb
Mature size: 3”
Native range: North America
Preferred habitat: Wetland edegs, forest floor
Pollinators: Wind
Edible parts: Fiddleheads,
Uses and functions: Food, Medicinal
Iconic lowlands plant of northeast forests. Young, coiled leaves, called fiddleheads, are picked in early spring and eaten cooked or pickeled. Take 1/3 or so only per plant. Subtly beautiful understory plant that spreads slowly by runners.
