Sword Fern

Polystichum munitum
  • Description: Large, upright fern, growing up to 1.5m tall. Erect leaves with sharp-toothed leaflets. Fronds are once-pinnate and brown-fuzzy.
  • Habitat: Prefers moist to wet forests but can tolerate sunnier and drier sites.
  • Pair with: Western redcedar, lady fern, salal, false lily-of-the-valley, thimbleberry.
  • Fun Fact: Easy to grow and unlikely to be eaten by animals other than the mountain beaver. Deer will nibble on the tips. Individual pinnae have a small ‘hilt’ -hence the common name ‘sword fern’.

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