Sword Fern

Polystichum munitum  Sword fern finds itself perfectly at home in shady woodland or rocky habitat gardens. This charming evergreen has tall arching fronds that appear prehistoric. Abundant new fiddleheads unfurl each spring into fronds that can reach up to six feet long, joining those from previous years, with a diagnostic small “thumb” at the bottom, making it resemble a sword. It is an exceptionally long-lived plant, with one mature plant boasting as many as 100 fronds, which adds visual interest and hardy structure to the garden all year. Plant type/canopy layer: evergreen, perennial, fern Size at maturity: 2-4' tall, 2-3' wide Light requirements: full shade, part sun/part shade Moisture requirements: moist to dry soil Bloom time: n/a, spores usually mature in July Growth rate/ease: medium growth rate, easy to grow Wildlife support: fronds provide cover and nesting sites for birds, small mammals and amphibians, and are browsed by deer, elk, black bear, and mountain be