Western Swordfern
(Polystichum munitum)
Western Swordfern (Polystichum munitum)
/
/
John Brew
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
John Brew
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Brew | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: John Brew | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-08-03T10:19:55-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Polystichum munitum, commonly known as Western Swordfern, is an evergreen fern native to the understory of moist coniferous and mixed evergreen forests in the Western United States and Canada, particularly thriving in cool, shaded, and humid environments such as those found along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to California. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters), featuring a rosette of dark green, sword-shaped fronds that remain attractive throughout the year.
Western Swordfern is valued for its lush, evergreen foliage and low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for shaded garden areas, woodland plantings, and naturalized landscapes. It is also used for erosion control on slopes due to its dense root system. This fern prefers consistently moist soil but is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in a range of light conditions from full shade to partial sun, provided it is sheltered from intense afternoon sunlight. While it does not require heavy fertilization, it can benefit from light, regular feedings during the growing season.CC BY-SA 4.0
Western Swordfern is valued for its lush, evergreen foliage and low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for shaded garden areas, woodland plantings, and naturalized landscapes. It is also used for erosion control on slopes due to its dense root system. This fern prefers consistently moist soil but is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in a range of light conditions from full shade to partial sun, provided it is sheltered from intense afternoon sunlight. While it does not require heavy fertilization, it can benefit from light, regular feedings during the growing season.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Moist coniferous and mixed evergreen forests in the Western United States and Canada
Other Names
Common Names: Common Sword Fern, Pineland Sword Fern, Western Sword Fern, Fougère Épée, Polystic À Épées, Svärdbräken
Scientific Names: , Polystichum munitum, Polystichum munitum var. munitum, Aspidium munitum, Polystichum minutum, Dryopteris munita, Polystichum munitum f. inciso-serratum, Polystichum munitum subsp. solitarium, Nephrodium plumula, Polystichum munitum subsp. nudatum
GBIF Accepted Name: Polystichum munitum (Kaulf.) C.Presl