No Tennessee ostrich ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) do not grow in North Texas. This hardy fern is native to eastern North America from Newfoundland to Minnesota and south to Tennessee and Georgia. It grows in moist shady woods and is commonly found growing in colonies.
Ostrich ferns get their name from their large feathery fronds which can grow up to 6 feet long. The fronds are bi-pinnate meaning they are divided into pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are themselves divided into yet smaller pairs of narrow finger-like leaflets. The fronds emerge in the spring unfurling from a tight coil. Once they are fully unfurled the fronds will remain erect throughout the summer. In the fall the fronds turn a golden yellow before dying back and going dormant for the winter.
Tennessee ostrich ferns grow best in partial to full shade and moist rich soils. They are quite tolerant of sun but their fronds will tend to be more erect and less feathery if they get too much sun. They are also tolerant of a wide range of soil types from sandy to clay. However they will not tolerate wet soggy soils.
If you are looking for a fern to add to your shade garden the Tennessee ostrich fern is a good choice. Just be sure you don’t try to grow it in North Texas!
Do Tennessee ostrich glade ferns grow in North Texas?
No they do not.
What type of climate do Tennessee ostrich glade ferns need to grow?
They need a warm humid climate.
How much sun do Tennessee ostrich glade ferns need to grow?
They need indirect sunlight.
What type of soil do Tennessee ostrich glade ferns need to grow?
They need well-drainedhumus-rich soil.
How often do Tennessee ostrich glade ferns need to be watered?
They need to be watered regularly but allow the soil to dry out in between waterings.
What is the best time of year to plant Tennessee ostrich glade ferns?
Spring or summer.
How big do Tennessee ostrich glade ferns grow?
They can grow up to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
Are Tennessee ostrich glade ferns slow or fast growers?
They are fast growers.
What is the lifespan of Tennessee ostrich glade ferns?
They are perennial plants and can live for several years.
Do Tennessee ostrich glade ferns need to be fertilized?
Yes they do.
What are the ideal growing conditions for Tennessee ostrich glade ferns?
They need warm humid conditions with indirect sunlight and well-drained humus-rich soil.
What are some of the common problems with Tennessee ostrich glade ferns?
Some common problems include spider mites mealybugs andscale insects.
What is the best way to control pests on Tennessee ostrich glade ferns?
The best way to control pests is to use a pesticide that is specific to the type of pest you are dealing with.
Are Tennessee ostrich glade ferns deer resistant?
Yes they are.
What are some of the common uses for Tennessee ostrich glade ferns?
Some common uses for them include as landscape plants in containers or as houseplants.
