Plant
Western Sword Fern
Polystichum munitumAlso known as Western Swordfern, Sword Fern
Western sword ferns form lush, evergreen crowns of arching fronds that dominate the understory of Pacific Northwest temperate rainforests. Each individual leaflet features a distinct hilt-like notch at its base, giving the frond its iconic sword-like appearance and providing vital cover for small forest wildlife. Extremely resilient and long-lived, these plants help stabilize moist woodland soils and retain forest floor moisture throughout dry summers.
EvergreenFernUnderstory
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Black-tailed Deer
- Elk
- Mountain Beaver
ThreatsHabitat Loss, Severe Drought, Sword Fern Die-Off Syndrome
HabitatsTemperate Rainforests, Moist Coniferous Forests, Coastal Woodlands
Life span50–500 years
Classification
- OrderPolypodiales
- FamilyDryopteridaceae
- GenusPolystichum
- SpeciesPolystichum munitum
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
- Identification: Look for the small, thumb-like lobe at the base of each leaflet resembling a sword hilt.
- Observation: Examine the undersides of mature fronds in late summer to see double rows of rusty-brown sporangia.
- Trail Etiquette: Stay on established paths to avoid trampling delicate crown rhizomes on the forest floor.
Co-occurring Fern (c) Timothy McNitt, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Timothy McNitt · cc-by
Co-occurring Fern (c) Alan Rockefeller, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alan Rockefeller · cc-by
Co-occurring Fern (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair · cc-by
Canopy Partner (c) Danny Steaven, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Ed Alverson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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