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EXPLORE > PLANTS > VASCULAR PLANTS
Polystichum munitum
This is an evergreen fern common to the Oregon coast and forested areas in the Pacific Northwest. As the name indicates, the fronds of the plant grown in wide, flat clusters which resemble the shape of a sword’s blade and reach heights up to 6 feet (1.8 m). Western Sword Ferns grow on a rhizome with individual fronds living approximately two years before dying. As a result, this plant is found in dense clusters, often beneath coniferous trees. It grows equally well in both direct sun and deep shade. Although it prefers wetter conditions, the plant is highly drought-resistant.
Although often used today as an ornamental plant, especially for floral arrangements, the fern does have some traditional uses. Native Americans would sometimes roast and eat the rhizome, or use the plant’s spores as a topical remedy for minor skin irritation.
Distribution
Western sword fern is one of the most common ferns in the Pacific Northwest. It is found in coastal forests from southern Washington to northern California. Some isolated populations can be found as far east as South Dakota and on Guadalupe Island, Baja California. A very hearty species, the sword fern can thrive in both acidic and rocky soils and often comprises a large part of the understory in coastal forests.
Conservation Status
Common.
Polystichum munitum
This is an evergreen fern common to the Oregon coast and forested areas in the Pacific Northwest. As the name indicates, the fronds of the plant grown in wide, flat clusters which resemble the shape of a sword’s blade and reach heights up to 6 feet (1.8 m). Western Sword Ferns grow on a rhizome with individual fronds living approximately two years before dying. As a result, this plant is found in dense clusters, often beneath coniferous trees. It grows equally well in both direct sun and deep shade. Although it prefers wetter conditions, the plant is highly drought-resistant.
Although often used today as an ornamental plant, especially for floral arrangements, the fern does have some traditional uses. Native Americans would sometimes roast and eat the rhizome, or use the plant’s spores as a topical remedy for minor skin irritation.
Distribution
Western sword fern is one of the most common ferns in the Pacific Northwest. It is found in coastal forests from southern Washington to northern California. Some isolated populations can be found as far east as South Dakota and on Guadalupe Island, Baja California. A very hearty species, the sword fern can thrive in both acidic and rocky soils and often comprises a large part of the understory in coastal forests.
Conservation Status
Common.
