(Fern-Ostrich) Large and impressive, Matteuccia struthiopteris requires plenty of space to grow and is a rapid spreader. The beautiful dark green feather-like fronds are wider at the top and taper down to a bare stipe. The first set of gracefully arching leaves are sterile, can reach heights of six feet, and die back in early to midsummer. Matteuccia then forms fertile dark green 3′ leaves that turn a shiny bronze-gold in the fall and shift to brown in winter. The brown fronds remain standing for a great winter interest display.