Polystichum munitum aka Western Sword Fern

Polystichum munitum, also known as the western swordfern, is a robust evergreen perennial fern native to western North America. It is one of the most abundant ferns found in forested areas, occurring along the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska to southern California. It can also be found inland in regions such as southeastern British Columbia, northern Idaho, and western Montana. Disjunctive populations of this fern exist in northern British Columbia, Canada; the Black Hills in South Dakota, United States; and Guadalupe Island off of Baja California, Mexico. Western swordfern has even been known to naturalize in parts of Great Britain and Ireland. This fern is characterized by its large clump of erect, dark green fronds. The fronds are narrowly lance-shaped and pinnate, with narrow pinnae that are finely spine-toothed. The Western Sword fern lives up to its name, with sword-shaped, rich green evergreen fronds that can grow up to 90cm long. When allowed to mature in the dappled shade of a tree canopy, with rich moist soil at the roots, it develops a unique character and presence that make it a valuable addition to any garden. Despite its merits, Polystichum munitum is unfortunately not widely cultivated and should be given more attention.