Matteuccia struthiopteris | Ostrich Fern. This wonderful deciduous shuttlecock fern is at its most beautiful in spring when the large, pale green, lacy fronds start to unfurl and filter the sunlight. It is one of the best foliage plants for areas of moist, dappled shade and works particularly well planted in groups next to water or in a woodland garden in between deciduous trees. Height 1.7m.