Swordfern Western Swordfern

Polystichum munitum (Dryopteridaceae) is a large, evergreen fern native to western North America from Alaska to California and east to Montana. It grows 3 to 4 feet tall from a stout rhizome, producing a symmetrical rosette of once-pinnate, dark green fronds. Each pinna (leaflet) has a prominent "thumb" lobe at its base, aiding identification.

Western sword fern is the dominant understory fern of coastal conifer forests and one of the most adaptable native ferns for garden use. It thrives in part shade to deep shade on moist, humus-rich soil but tolerates drier conditions than most ferns once established. It is virtually pest- and disease-free. Indigenous peoples used the fronds for flooring, food preparation, and fish drying. Hardy in Zones 5 to 9.