Polystichum munitum
western sword fern
Dryopteridaceae
list 7.17
- Fern
- Native to British Columbia
- Zone 6
- Somewhat messy, vase shaped. Up to 1.5 m high by 1.5 m wide.
- Long, tough, glossy, many-toothed fronds.
- Long lived, bulletproof plant. Tolerates full sun if there is moisture available. Tolerates drought in the shade.
- Species name come from the way the spore pattern resembles an ammunition belt.
- If winters are mild, 3-4 years of frond stay on the fern. Can be cut back to new year’s growth in formal settings.
- Excellent in a woodland setting. Can also be used in a more architectural way.
