Matteuccia

Small group of ferns which enjoy garden spot with a little extra moisture. Light shade or an open spot. Often upright, hence a common name of shuttlecock fern, vibrant green fronds. This genus has fertile fronds, which will look different to the typical fronds, often a different colour and a more simple pinnae arrangement. Attractive in their own right.

In common with most ferns, Matteuccia species have few specific wildlife attributes although their unrivalled shuttlecock growth-form does provide cover for invertebrates in all seasons except mid-winter. Given its propensity to spread by rhizomes, steps should be taken to avoid it becoming established in new patches of natural habitat in the wild.