Western Sword Fern
Polystichum munitum
Also listed as Aetopteron munitum, Aspidium munitum
Also known as Sword Fern, Pacific Sword Fern, Common Sword Fern
Climate Match for your location
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A native Pacific Northwest fern with deep green, leathery fronds that form dense clumps. Excellent for shady woodland gardens and as a groundcover, thriving in moist forest conditions.
Why grow it
Western sword fern outperforms most other native ferns in the Pacific Northwest for establishing stable, low-maintenance groundcover in deep shade where few other plants thrive. Its relatively large, upright fronds and dense clumping habit make it more visually prominent than smaller fern species, and it tolerates drier conditions than many shade ferns once established, reducing irrigation demands in woodland plantings.
Watch out for
This fern prefers consistent moisture and can struggle in prolonged drought even when established, particularly in full sun exposures. Slugs and snails may browse young fronds, and crowded plantings can develop fungal issues if air circulation is poor, so spacing and site selection matter more than most perennials.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, California)
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native Pacific Northwest fern with deep green, leathery fronds that form dense clumps. Excellent for shady woodland gardens and as a groundcover, thriving in moist forest conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Western Sword Fern grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Western sword fern outperforms most other native ferns in the Pacific Northwest for establishing stable, low-maintenance groundcover in deep shade where few other plants thrive. Its relatively large, upright fronds and dense clumping habit make it more visually prominent than smaller fern species, and it tolerates drier conditions than many shade ferns once established, reducing irrigation demands in woodland plantings.
Watch out for
This fern prefers consistent moisture and can struggle in prolonged drought even when established, particularly in full sun exposures. Slugs and snails may browse young fronds, and crowded plantings can develop fungal issues if air circulation is poor, so spacing and site selection matter more than most perennials.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, California)
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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