Ostrich fern is the most beautiful species of the family. The genus includes 4 species, 2 of them grow in Russia. The most famous fern is the common ostrich. Its spore-bearing leaves are very similar in shape to ostrich feathers. Hence the name - ostrich. The photo shows this similarity well.
Spread
The ostrich fern is undemanding and can grow anywhere: in the forest, on the forest edge, on the banks of the river, in the swamp. But prefers moist forests of the temperate zone of Eurasia and North America, where it forms thickets.
Fern description
The ostrich fern is the largest among its brethren. It can reach 1.5-2 meters in height, and with a lack of moisture - 40-60 centimeters. Each year, its rhizomes grow by 25 centimeters. Cirrus light green waiyi (the so-called leaves of ferns) are collected in a glass-like funnel, similar to a vase, and reach 1.5 meters in length. They appear in late spring, when steady heat is established.
First, the waiyi are turned inward, but by the beginning of summer they are straightened out. By autumn, they turn yellow and disappear. Unlike other ferns, in which sporangia are located on the lower part of the leaves, the ostrich has spore-bearing leaves called sporophylls. They are short, do not exceed 60 centimeters in length. Sporophylls (1 or 2) appear in August in the center of the funnel. When the spores mature, the leaves become brown. It was at this time that they were cut for dry bouquets (they last several years). In spring, sporophylls open and the wind carries spores. At this time, vayi very much resemble ostrich feathers. They stay on the bush for several years, but you can’t make a bouquet from them, as they constantly pour out pores.
Care
Ostrich fern is resistant to cold, undemanding to the composition of the soil, but very demanding on moisture. It grows only in moist places. Prefers a shadow, but can grow also in the sun. An ostrich fern needs to be thinned out every three to four years so that it does not grow much.
Ostrich breeding
Reproduction occurs using segments of rhizomes. Ostrich fern easily tolerates transplanting. But it is better to do this in spring or late summer.
Application
Ostrich fern is used as an ornamental plant. It is considered the most attractive plant of its kind. Sporophylls are added to bouquets and floristic compositions because of their peculiar appearance. Since the plant wakes up late in the spring, primroses can be planted between ferns. The ostrich fern looks great both in single plantings and in group ones. It can be used to form alpine slides. In Norway, goats were fed ferns, beer was made from it. Residents of some countries use young Wii for food due to the high content of high-grade proteins, sugars and dietary fiber. The leaves taste like the taste of cauliflower.
Medical use
Ostrich fern has bactericidal, anthelmintic, hemostatic, soothing, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties that are used in traditional medicine. It treats burns and frostbite, heals wounds, relieves spasms and relieves epilepsy seizures. In Russia, worms were expelled with his help.
If this amazing plant is not yet in your garden, then hurry up to buy an ostrich.