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Western Sword Fern

Polystichum Munitum

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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 6–10Type FernClimate Temperate
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — lanceolate leaflets that are neatly aligned in a herringbone pattern along its central stalk; the fern, image 51

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
6–10

Shape & size

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

Classification

Type
Fern
Family
Polypodiaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (95)

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) — The fern prefers partial to full shade and thrives in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic, image 74
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum) — year-round verdant presence.<br><br>Each frond of the Western Sword Fern is comprised of numerous dark, image 50
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Polystichum Munitum
Photographs by 2 contributors

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