Ostrich Fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Onocleaceae · fern · native
Last updated
Quick Facts
Height
3-6 ft
Spread
5-8 ft (spreads by stolons)
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast
Light
Partial Shade to Full Shade
Soil
Moist, Well Drained
Water
High
Hardiness
Zones 3–7
Fall Color
Yellow-brown
Origin
Northern Hemisphere - eastern North America, Europe
Field Observations
Field Observation
Matteuccia struthiopteris · Ostrich Fern
new fronds
Phenological Calendar
As of May 18, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2022.7 to 2224.5 GDD₃₂. Ostrich Fern has passed new fronds (1580 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 18, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,225 | new fronds | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,194 | new fronds | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,164 | new fronds | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,128 | new fronds | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,098 | new fronds | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,092 | new fronds | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,023 | new fronds | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● new fronds BBCH 10 NOW | 1580 | late April |
Source: Field observation, Auburn WA. About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 18, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 3, 2026, then climate normals.
Data Maturity Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.