Polystichum munitum aka Western Sword Fern

Taxonomy

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.

Common names

Western Sword Fern, Common Sword Fern, Western Swordfern

How to care for Western Sword Fern

Difficulty

Caring for Western Sword Fern is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Soil

Western Sword Fern is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Common Sword Fern is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Western Swordfern with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Western Sword Fern with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Western Sword Fern to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Western Sword Fern should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Western Sword Fern as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Western Sword Fern’s native range is Western N. America - Alaska to California.


More info:
Wikipedia