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Western Sword Fern
Polystichum munitum
47.6627, -122.682
Field Notes
Description:
The dark green fronds of this fern grow to 50-180 cm (i.e. nearly 6 feet) tall, in a tight clump spreading out radially from a round base. They are single-pinnate, with the pinnate alternating on the stalk. Each pinnate is 1-15 cm long, with a small upward-pointing lobe at the base, and the edges are serrated with bristly tips. Individual fronds live for 1.5-2.5 years and remain attached to the rhizome after withering. The round sori occupy two rows on either side of the midrib of each pinna and are covered by a centrally-attached, umbrella-like indusium with fringed edges. They produce light yellow spores.
Habitat:
The favored habitat of this fern is the understory of moist coniferous forests at low elevations. It grows best in a well-drained acidic soil of rich humus and small stones. Sword ferns are very tough, and can survive occasional dry periods, but do well only with consistent moisture, light sunlight, and prefer cool weather to overly warm. In cultivation, they also respond well to regular, light applications of fertilizer.
While this fern is a favored horticultural subject in western North America, it has been found to be difficult or impossible to grow satisfactorily in the eastern part of the continent.
Notes:
Also in this picture:
(left) Small Flowered Alum Root - Heuchera micrantha, (bottom left of center) Indian Plum (seedling) - Oemleria cerasiformis, (bottom right) Pacific Blackberry - Rubus ursinus, (almost center) Western Bleeding Heart - Dicentra formosa, (top) Western Red Cedar (sapling) - Thuja plicata
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