ostrich fern

noun

1. a tall North American fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris, with large mature leaves that resemble ostrich plumes, a popular landscaping plant whose curled new leaves, called fiddleheads, are eaten as a vegetable.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ostrich fern¹

First recorded in 1820–25

Example Sentences

Soreng pointed out beeches, pawpaw trees and silver maples, and a patch where spring brings a carpet of ostrich ferns.

From Washington Post

Magnificent vase-like clusters of the Ostrich Fern spread above our heads in the thicket along the river-shore.

From Project Gutenberg

I was fairly startled by the unexpected beauty and regal bearing of the Ostrich Fern.

From Project Gutenberg

The Ostrich Fern does so well under cultivation that there is danger lest it crowd out its less aggressive neighbors.

From Project Gutenberg

This plant ranks with the Osmundas and with the Ostrich Fern in size and vigorous beauty.

From Project Gutenberg

Along with the ostrich fern it makes a most excellent combination in a fern border.

From Project Gutenberg