Skip to content

Western Sword Fern

Polystichum Munitum

Design with this plant

Overview

Western Sword Fern, Polystichum munitum, is a robust, evergreen fern reaching 3-6 feet in height and spreading up to 4 feet. It sports dark green, sword-like fronds that form a lush, fountain-like clump. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, it thrives in part to full shade and requires well-drained, moist soil. Ideal for woodland gardens, it offers low maintenance, deer resistance, and year-round visual interest.

Sun Half, ShadeWater MediumZones 6–10Climate Temperate
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — evergreen fern reaching 3-6 feet in height and spreading up to 4 feet

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
6–10

Shape & size

Mature height
2–3 Ft.
Mature width
2–4 Ft.

Classification

Family
Polypodiaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (75)

Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — The fern prefers partial to full shade and thrives in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic, image 34
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — have a slightly serrated edge and emerge from the crown in a vase-like formation; it typically reaches a mature size
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — usually 1 to 4 inches long; evergreen fern reaching 3-6 feet in height and spreading up to 4 feet
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — lanceolate leaflets that are neatly aligned in a herringbone pattern along its central stalk; the fern prefers
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — year-round verdant presence.<br><br>Each frond of the Western Sword Fern is comprised of numerous dark green; noted
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — rewarding landscape designs with a reliable; fern for half or shade
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — Noted for its regal and sword-like fronds; evergreen fern native to the forest floors of western North America
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — evergreen fern native to the forest floors of western North America; this fern requires minimal care
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — scientifically known as Polystichum munitum; usually 1 to 4 inches long
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — Ideal for woodland gardens, it offers low maintenance, deer resistance, and year-round visual interest, image 24
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — Hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, it thrives in part to full shade and requires well-drained, moist soil; it is also highly
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — It sports dark green, sword-like fronds that form a lush, fountain-like clump; lanceolate leaflets that are neatly
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — evergreen fern reaching 3-6 feet in height and spreading up to 4 feet; ideal for woodland gardens, it offers low
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — fern for half or shade
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — This fern requires minimal care
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — It is also highly appreciated for its low maintenance and resistance to pests and diseases
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — Polystichum munitum is ideal for woodland gardens
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — it is also important to avoid waterlogged conditions.<br><br>Hardy to USDA zones 5 through 8
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — While it requires consistent moisture
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — The fern prefers partial to full shade and thrives in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — have a slightly serrated edge and emerge from the crown in a vase-like formation
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — usually 1 to 4 inches long
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — lanceolate leaflets that are neatly aligned in a herringbone pattern along its central stalk
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — year-round verdant presence.<br><br>Each frond of the Western Sword Fern is comprised of numerous dark green

Related plants

Brilliance Autumn Fern (Dryopteris Erythrosora 'Brilliance') — The Brilliance Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance') is a vibrant, shade-loving

Brilliance Autumn Fern

Dryopteris Erythrosora 'Brilliance'

Half · Zones 5–9

Dainty Buttons™ Fern (Nephrolepis x) — Proven Winners - Living Lace® Dainty Buttons™ - Fern - Nephrolepis x plant details, information and resources

Dainty Buttons™ Fern

Nephrolepis x

Half

Netted Chain Fern (Woodwardia Areolata) — is a shade-tolerant perennial boasting lacy fronds that can reach up to 2-3 feet in length

Netted Chain Fern

Woodwardia Areolata

Deep Shade · Zones 4–10

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — commonly known as the Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum Capillus-Veneris

Deep Shade · Zones 5–9

Ribbon Dance™ Silver Staghorn Fern (Platycerium veitchii) — is a compact houseplant with upright

Ribbon Dance™ Silver Staghorn Fern

Platycerium veitchii

Full

Himalayan Maidenhair (Adiantum venustum) — Adiantum venustum, or Himalayan Maidenhair, is an elegant fern with delicate, fan-shaped fronds

Himalayan Maidenhair

Adiantum venustum

Deep Shade · Zones 5–9