Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full shade, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

The shuttlecock fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris, is a particularly attractive fern, bearing large, pale green, lacy fronds. It's an excellent foliage plant for moist, dappled shade and works particularly well when planted in groups. Grow it among other moisture- and shade loving plants such as on the edge of a pond, in woodland situations or in a large container on a shady patio.

Matteuccia struthiopteris spreads slowly by underground rhizomes. The offsets can be dug up and moved in spring, but plants look best when left to form colonies. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Plant calendar

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Matteuccia and wildlife

Matteuccia has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Matteuccia poisonous?

Matteuccia has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Matteuccia struthiopteris
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