An upright, clump-forming fern which spreads through rhizomes. Enjoys cool, shady areas with rich organic soils of constant moisture. It has finely dissected leaves of a medium green colour. The name comes from the fronds that display a feathery appearance, similar to ostrich feathers. This deciduous fern loses leaflets faster than the Wood or Christmas fern, going dormant for the winter. Spring fiddleheads can be harvested as a gourmet edible.
Photo Credit: Perennial Resource
