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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Polystichum munitum

Western Sword Fern

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.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Non-flowering; provides evergreen foliage

Find this plant

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.