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Polystichum munitum
Polystichum munitum (Kaulf.) C. Presl
Western Swordfern, Pineland Swordfern
Dryopteridaceae (Wood Fern Family)
Synonym(s): Polystichum munitum var. incisoserratum
USDA Symbol: POMU
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
This is a "refined" fern with a massive clump of 3-5 ft., dark-green fronds that resemble a palm tree top cut off. The fronds are evergreen and occur in clumps of 75-100.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Notes: Fronds up to about 5 feet long.
Leaf: Dark Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not ApplicableBloom Notes: Non-flowering, sporulating plant.
Distribution
USA: AK , CA , ID , MT , OR , SD , WACanada: BC , MB
Native Distribution: CA coast, n. to AK & to n.w. MT
Native Habitat: Damp conifer woods below 2500 ft.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Drought Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Various moist soils but tolerates dry conditions.
Conditions Comments: This fern is deer proof. It transplants well and lends a look of lushness to the woodland garden. Looks best planted in groups or drifts.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesPropagation
Description: Spores. It will spread well on it's own but plants can be divided in fall.Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 928 - 100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. LeyerleSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Polystichum munitum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Polystichum munitum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Polystichum munitum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-12-06Research By: TWC Staff