Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Polystichum munitum
Western Sword Fern
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Height
- 2-4 feet tall
- Width
- 3-4 feet wide
- Flower color
- None (non-flowering)
- Foliage color
- Dark green, leathery fronds
- Bloom time
- Non-flowering; provides evergreen foliage
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; remove dead fronds in early spring
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 3-8
- Wildlife
- Provides habitat for small wildlife
About this plant
Polystichum munitum, commonly known as the Western Sword Fern, is a resilient evergreen fern celebrated for its elegant, arching fronds and adaptability to various environments. Native to the western regions of North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest, this fern thrives in shaded woodland settings, bringing lush greenery throughout the year. Its bold fronds feature dense rows of deep green leaflets that give it a textured, layered appearance.
Unlike many ferns, Polystichum munitum remains verdant even in colder seasons, making it a valuable addition for year-round interest in shade gardens and forested landscapes. Its natural resilience and ability to spread gradually enhance its role in groundcover or in stabilizing slopes. This classic fern brings a sense of the wild, natural forest floor to cultivated gardens, harmonizing beautifully with other shade-loving plants.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Hellebores · Japanese forest grass · Astilbes · Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff
Design tip
Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
