Sword Fern
November 9, 2022
By Adam Huggins
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’.