Polystichum scopulinum, commonly known as Mountain Hollyfern or Rock Sword Fern, is a perennial herbaceous fern native to rocky outcrops and talus slopes within coniferous forests, often associated with serpentine soils in western North America, with disjunct populations in eastern Canada. It typically grows in the understory of these forests, where it can reach up to 20 inches in height. The fern is characterized by its erect, narrowly lance-shaped fronds that narrow near the bases. Each frond is divided into many lance-shaped or oblong leaflets up to 1.2 inches long, with toothed edges that are sometimes twisted on their axes and overlapping, giving it a distinctive texture.

Mountain Hollyfern is appreciated for its hardiness and adaptability to rocky and challenging soil conditions, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens and naturalized areas. It thrives in part shade to full sun, provided it has good drainage, and it is relatively low maintenance once established. While it is not commonly used in urban settings, it can be an attractive addition to woodland gardens or shaded borders. It requires minimal water once established and prefers a well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. There are no widely known cultivars of this species, and it is generally free from serious pests and diseases. However, it may be sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0