Plant · GBIF taxon 2651117
Narrowleaf sword fern
Polystichum imbricansAlso known as Imbricate Sword Fern, Narrowleaf Swordfern
Narrowleaf sword ferns form tidy, upright tufts of leathery, evergreen fronds that thrive in dry, rocky terrain where other ferns struggle. Their narrow, densely clustered pinnae overlap like roof shingles, an adaptation that minimizes moisture loss in sun-exposed rock cracks. These hardy perennials play an important role in stabilizing talus slopes and cliff faces across western mountain ranges.
EvergreenFernDrought-Tolerant
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Browsing deer
- Herbivorous insects
- Slugs
ThreatsHabitat disturbance, altered fire regimes, invasive weed encroachment
HabitatsRocky outcrops, talus slopes, dry forest openings, cliff crevices
Life spanPerennial (decades)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyDryopteridaceae
- SpeciesPolystichum imbricans
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
- Spotting: Look for overlapping, stiff pinnae growing directly out of rock crevices.
- Habitat: Search dry, exposed rocky slopes where shade-loving ferns cannot survive.
- Photography: Capture the pale brown scales along the lower leaf stem for key ID details.
Close Relative Jami Dwyer / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Shane Johnson · cc0
Close Relative (c) Timothy McNitt, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Timothy McNitt · cc-by
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