Polystichum munitum (Western Sword Fern)
Majestic and weather-resistant, award-winning Polystichum munitum (Western Sword Fern) is a robust evergreen fern forming a shapely, arching mound of long, narrowly lance-shaped, lustrous, dark green fronds. Each leaflet is dagger-shaped, with toothed edges and a base that is reminiscent of a sword hilt.
Majestic and weather-resistant, award-winning Polystichum munitum (Western Sword Fern) is a robust evergreen fern forming a shapely, arching mound of long, narrowly lance-shaped, lustrous, dark green fronds. Each leaflet is dagger-shaped, with toothed edges and a base that is reminiscent of a sword hilt. The lush swordlike foliage can count up to 75-100 fronds on mature plants. They remain lush and fresh-looking throughout the season. Easily grown and versatile, Western Sword Fern is particularly beautiful as a specimen and most impressive planted in drifts in a woodland garden. Long-lasting when cut for arrangements.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
- Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall and wide (60-120 cm).
- A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Will grow in full sun if watered regularly in summer. Will tolerate dry shade and poorer soil once established. Protect crowns from excessive winter wet.
- This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, groundcovers, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens or woodland gardens.
- Virtually pest and disease free. Rabbit and deer resistant.
- Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
- Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe, division of rhizomes in spring or by bulbils in fall
- Native from California to Alaska and Montana, Idaho, and South Dakota.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3 |
| Plant Type | Ferns |
| Plant Family | Polystichum – Ferns |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
| Height | 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm) |
| Spread | 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm) |
| Spacing | 24″ – 48″ (60cm – 120cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Native Plants | United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, South Dakota, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Montana |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |