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Dryopteridaceae
Polystichum munitum
Common Swordfern
Magnificent, long, arching fronds that have a slight curl at their apex are the distinctive feature of the lush Western Swordfern. An evergreen, clumping fern native to northwestern North America, it is found in abundance in conifer forests.
The leathery fronds are dark green, divided into leaflets, and held erect in the center of the clump, but arch and reach outward around the center. The stem of the frond, called the stipe, is covered in scales that are reddish-brown to nearly black. Like all ferns, it reproduces by spores. They appear on the underside of the leaflets in summer.
Grow Western Swordfern in humus-rich, well-drained soils and partial to deep shade. Soils should be moist, but established clumps can tolerate slightly drier conditions. Large and elegant when growing as a specimen in a shady woodland border or foundation planting, the Western Swordfern also when massed is no less lush, mysterious and beautiful. Old plants may have multiple dozens of fronds, an opportunity for cutting. Cut fronds are long-lasting as filler foliage in floral arrangements.
8 - 1
4 - 8
A3, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Fern
Partial Shade, Full Shade
30"-36" / 76.2cm - 91.4cm
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
North America, Northwestern United States, Alaska, California, Canada
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Clay, Loam, Sand
Medium
Average Water
Arching/Fountain-shaped
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
None
No
Yes
Fine
Container, Feature Plant, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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