Plant
California Shield Fern
Polystichum californicumAlso known as California Sword Fern
California shield ferns form attractive clusters of leathery, deep green fronds along shady coastal slopes and damp coniferous woodland floors. Arising historically as a natural hybrid between western sword fern and Dudley's sword fern, this fern often displays intermediate leaf morphology with sharply serrated leaf margins. Spores mature on the undersides of the fronds in neat circular clusters called sori, which release to the wind throughout the warmer months.
EvergreenPacific CoastWoodland
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Gastropods
- Deer
- Insects
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, severe wildfires, drought
HabitatsCoastal forests, damp woodlands, rocky slopes
Life spanPerennial (20+ years)
Classification
- FamilyDryopteridaceae
- SpeciesPolystichum californicum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look at the undersides of mature fronds in summer to view the round sori clusters.
- Trail Etiquette: Stay on designated paths to avoid compacting delicate forest soil and damaging rhizomes.
Parent Species Jami Dwyer / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Parent Species (c) Reid Hardin, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Frequent Companion (c) James H. Thomas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by James H. Thomas · cc-by
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