Ostrich Fern: A Lush Addition to Wildlife-Friendly Gardens

 It is day 20 of Gardening for Wildlife Month! Ostrich ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) are a striking, shade-loving plant that enhances biodiversity in gardens. Their tall, feathery fronds provide shelter for small wildlife, including frogs and ground-feeding birds. In addition to their ecological benefits, ostrich ferns produce edible fiddleheads in the spring, making them a sustainable food source when harvested responsibly. These ferns thrive in moist, shaded areas, helping to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. By incorporating ostrich ferns into your garden during Gardening for Wildlife Month, you can create a lush, wildlife-friendly habitat that supports both pollinators and small creatures.

Source of Knowledge: https://loudounwildlife.org/2018/07/native-ferns-have-a-place-in-our-plantings-for-wildlife/