Matteuccia is a small genus of very attractive deciduous garden ferns. They like conditions that are neither too cold nor exposed, and where there is plenty of moisture available. They are known variously as shuttlecock fern or ostrich fern. Most are excellent foliage plants for moist, dappled shade, and they work particularly well when planted in groups.

Matteuccia ferns spread slowly by underground rhizomes. The offsets can be dug up and moved in spring, but plants look best when left to form colonies.

Matteuccia generally carry large, pale green, lacy fronds. Grow them among other moisture- and shade loving plants such as in woodland situations, or on the edge of a pond. They are even good when growing in a large container on a shady patio—as long as they are well-watered, particularly in warm weather. In fact, the form most often seen, Matteuccia struthiopteris, is such a good plant that the Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).