sword fern
Polystichum munitum

Family: Aspidaceae.

Type: Evergreen fern.

Branching: Alternate. Many branches grow from the ground in a ring around a central stem.

Leaves: Long fronds which are upright in wet, winter conditions, and droop in dry conditions. Each frond has alternate toothed leaflets that are long and sword-shaped.

Miscellaneous: An identifying characteristic is the shape of the sori on the underside of the fronds. Sword fern has round sori that follow the length of the leaf, either along the margins or down the center. Very shade-tolerant; a common understory plant in redwood forest and other shady, coastal forests. Range extends north into British Columbia.





All photos and text ©2008 Ben Haller. Permission is granted to use and reproduce these photos for any non-commercial or non-profit use as long as this original copyright notice is retained.