Ostrich fern is an upright perennial deciduous fern that grows 2 to 6 feet in medium to wet soil in full to part shade. An elegant plant, its name is derived from its feathery fronds that resemble an ostrich plume. In the spring, the vegetative fronds known as fiddleheads emerge from the base of the plant in tight circles and unfurl to a length of 4 feet; a second set of 2-foot dark brown fertile fronds grows in the interior.

Plant ostrich fern in groups in the woodland or near water. They blend well with astilbes, hostas, and spring wildflowers.