The Ostrich fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris, or Fiddlehead is one of spring’s early risers. This perennial fern develops a rosette of arching leaves that can grow to over 1 metre (3') tall during late spring. Named after the Ancient Greek struthio meaning ostrich and pterion meaning wing, the common and scientific names refer to the large, feather-like shape of the fern. Ostrich ferns are native to North America and grow quite well in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 7. They are also a popular fern used in gardens. They grow rapidly, up to several centimetres (inches) a day under optimum conditions, so the harvesting season in a given location is quite short. Distinguishing Features Ostrich ferns are easy to identify as they have a smooth, green stem that has a deep, u-shaped groove on the inside of the stem. Ostrich ferns grow in vase-shaped clumps called crowns. These crowns are somewhat reminescent to large upside down pine cone-like structures. Sometimes you will not see these crowns as they are covered in moss. There are generally six to eight fronds per crown. As they emerge they are covered with a brown sheath. Ostrich fern fiddlehead stems are never hairy, always smooth. Flowers Not applicable. Leaves The compound leaves are pinnate-pinnatifid and dimorphic. Sterile leaves are much larger than the fertile leaves in the center of the rosette. The sterile leaves are up to 1.60 m (5') long, 30 cm (12") across, and oblanceolate in outline, consisting of 20-50 pairs of leaflets. The sterile leaves taper abruptly toward their tips, while toward their bases the leaflets become very small. Individual leaflets are up to 15 cm (6") long, linear-oblong in outline, and deeply pinnatifid with 15-40 pairs of lobes. These lobes are short-oblong to ovate in shape, while their margins are smooth and folded downward. The sterile leaves are medium to dark green and glabrous on their upper surfaces, while their lower surfaces are light to medium green and glabrous. Height Ostrich ferns generally grow anywhere from 90 to 120cm (35" to 47") and the ferns from one crown spreads anywhere from 60 to 90 cm (25" to 35") wide. Habitat Fiddleheads are frequently found in forests in which the soil is damp and rich. It also prefers areas within a forest in which they get some sunlight. They are also found along streams and brooks in wooded areas. Edible Parts The unfurled part of the fern (the crozier) is the part of this fern that is edible. Be sure the curl is tight. About 1 to 2 cm (1") of the stem with the crozier can be eaten as well. NEVER eat raw and always be sure they are properly cooked. Other Name Ostrich Fern Fiddleheads. Similar Plants Bracken ferns.. Recipes Stuffed Fiddlehead Mushrooms With spring just around the corner for most places, this is one wild edible that has a super short season and you don’t want to miss out on! Thanks for watching.

The Garlic Mustard or Alliaria petiolata, is a biennial herb that has been labeled an invasive weed in many areas. Originally from Europe, this nutritious plant is found in many locations across North America. The flower of this wild edible only appears from May to June. Garlic Mustard is good for your weight, heart, lowers cholesterol, may help prevent cancer, as well as many other health benefits. Distinguishing Features Broad heart shaped or kidney shaped leaves, coarse, rounded teeth, petite flowers, onion or garlic odour, and slender pods that contain the seeds. Flowers Garlic mustard flowers are easy to recognize. The outside of the mustard flower has four sepals, usually green. The flower itself has four petals usually arranged in the shape of a cross. It has six stamens: four are tall and two are short. Flowers usually appear in a cluster. Each flower measures 1 to 1.5 cm across. Flowers can appear at any time throughout the growing season when ideal conditions are met. Leaves Leaves grow one to seven centimetres in diameter and are anywhere from kidney to heart shaped, with large rounded irregular teeth. First year plants have just a rosette of smaller round or kidney shaped leaves with scalloped edges. Leaves may be hairless or hairy to varying degrees. Height 10 cm. to 1 metre. Habitat Grows across many areas of Canada and the U.S. along fence lines, wooded areas, swamps, ditches, roadsides, railway embankments and takes advantage of disturbed areas. This plant is often found in open disturbed forests. Edible Parts Flowers, leaves, roots and seeds. Leaves in any season can be eaten but once the weather gets hot, the leaves will taste bitter. Flowers can be chopped and tossed into salads. The roots can be collected in early spring and again in late fall, when no flower stalks are present. Garlic mustard roots taste very spicy somewhat like horseradish. In the fall the seed can be collected and eaten. Other Name Jack by the Hedge. Recipes Chicken Weed Wrap, Garlic Mustard Horseradish, Garlic Mustard Pesto, Garlic Mustard Stuffed Mushrooms, Nettle Mustard Pesto, Sesame and Wilted Green Saute, Wild Pizza, Wild Roasted Cabbage, Wild Scalloped Potatoes