Ostrich fern in Washington state, USA

Info. Detail of an ostrich fern in Washington state, USA

We're taking a closer look at an ostrich fern, which can be found in northern parts of Europe, Asia and North America, where our photo was taken. The leaves of ferns are called fronds, which are made up of smaller leaves. Ostrich ferns, named for their fronds that look like ostrich feathers, can grow to a height of almost two metres. Spiral-shaped sprouts from ferns, known as fiddleheads, are enjoyed around the world as a tasty green vegetable – the ostrich fern is sometimes called the 'fiddlehead fern' as its sprouts are especially prized.