Ostrich Fern
Ostrich Fern, the name of two species of a small genus of ferns growing in the north temperate zone. The leaflets, or pinnae, of these ferns are arranged in featherlike fashion on the leafstalk and are subdivided into smaller leaflets, called pinnules. The fronds bearing the reproductive structures (sporangia) resemble brown-beaded necklaces. Ostrich ferns can be raised as ornamental plants in moist, shady gardens.
The ostrich fern of Europe is Pteretis Struthiopteris; of North America, P. pensylvanica. Both belong to the family Polypodiaceae.