Family: Polypodiaceae
Author: (Kaulf.) C.Presl
Bibliography: Tent. Pterid.: 83 (1836)
Year: 1836
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Polystichum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Alaska to Mexico (Baja California Norte, I. Guadalupe)
Description
The Common Sword Fern, scientifically known as Polystichum munitum, is a resilient and attractive fern that belongs to the Polypodiaceae family. This versatile and hardy plant is noted for its lush, evergreen fronds that contribute to its popularity in both natural woodland gardens and cultivated landscapes.
First formally described in 1836 by C. Presl, the Common Sword Fern derives its name from the Latin phrase Tent. Pterid.: 83, which relates to the initial bibliographic source where this plant was cataloged. It remains a prominent feature in the woodlands of North America, extending its habitat from the temperate regions of Alaska down through the West Coast to Mexico, particularly flourishing in Baja California Norte and I. Guadalupe.
The plant is particularly renowned for its strikingly symmetrical, dark green fronds that can reach impressive lengths, typically between 2 to 6 feet. Each frond is composed of numerous small, sharply pointed leaflets that form a sword-like appearance, which is reflected in its common name. This distinctive silhouette not only adds a textural richness to forest floors but also serves as excellent ground cover under the canopy of larger trees.
One of the key observations about the Common Sword Fern is its adaptability to various environmental conditions. While it prefers the cool, moist environments provided by shaded areas, it can also endure less ideal conditions, such as drought or more direct sunlight, making it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to incorporate low-maintenance yet visually appealing greenery into their landscapes.
In its native range, this fern plays an essential role in the ecosystem. It provides habitat and coverage for numerous small wildlife species and helps to prevent soil erosion with its widespread root system. Additionally, the plant’s resilience makes it an excellent choice for restoration projects aiming to rehabilitate degraded forested areas.
Moreover, the Common Sword Fern is a favorite among plant enthusiasts for its ease of cultivation and care. It requires minimal upkeep, making it an ideal addition for gardeners of all skill levels. Simply planting it in well-drained, humus-rich soil while ensuring it has adequate moisture will allow it to thrive. Once established, this fern can contribute to the creation of serene, verdant spaces in both natural and urban environments.
In summary, the Common Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) is a fine example of nature’s combination of beauty and utility. Its robustness, coupled with its aesthetic appeal, underscores why it remains a cherished component of American flora from the misty coastal rainforests of Alaska to the sunny slopes of Baja California.
Common Names
Eng: western sword-fern, common sword fern, western sword fern, western swordfern, pineland sword fern
Swe: svärdbräken
Fra: polystic à épées, fougère épée
Cym: gwrychredyn y cledd, gwrychredynen y cledd
En: Common sword fern, Western sword fern, Western swordfern, Pineland Sword Fern, Western Sword-fern
Fr: Polystic à épées, Fougère épée
Pl: Paprotnik zbrojny
Sv: Svärdbräken
Cy: Gwrychredynen y cledd, Gwrychredyn y Cledd
Synonyms
- Polystichum munitum var. incisoserratum ((D.C.Eaton) Underw.)
- Polystichum munitum subsp. nudatum ((D.C.Eaton) Ewan)
- Polystichum munitum f. nudatum ((D.C.Eaton) M.Broun)
- Polystichum plumula (C.Presl)
- Polystichum munitum subsp. inciso-serratum ((D.C.Eaton) Piper & Beattie)
- Polystichum munitum f. flabellatum (A.A.Eaton)
- Polystichum munitum subsp. solitarium (Maxon)
- Polystichum solitarium (Underw.)
- Aspidium munitum var. nudatum (D.C.Eaton)
- Aetopteron munitum (House)
- Aspidium munitum var. incisoserratum (D.C.Eaton)
- Dryopteris munita (Kuntze)
- Polystichum munitum f. incisoserratum ((D.C.Eaton) Clute & H.St.John)
- Nephrodium plumula (C.Presl)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Mexican Pacific Is. (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Montana (native)
- Oregon (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Washington (native)
- Belgium (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Ireland (introduced)
- Netherlands (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 28, 2012 by Frank Hübner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by ts ba (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2022 by Dingleburry Joe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2022 by chiasson.yolande (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2019 by Tavares Carmen (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 15, 2014 by EOL − hydrosteve (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 20, 2013 by EOL − Yixin Zhou (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 12, 2021 by Benji Koi-Jean (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Mar 8, 2014 by EOL − stephaniekyne (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 18, 2007 by EOL − Gerald and Buff Corsi (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 12, 2016 by EOL − naturalist eve (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 24, 2019 by Kate.Elliott KElliott (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2014 by EOL − noah1234 (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 17, 2013 by EOL − Camille Dawn Hair (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Feb 11, 2015 by EOL − Donna Pomeroy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 31, 2015 by EOL − avocat (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 27, 2015 by EOL − MysticN (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2019 by Zack Simon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Tug Chamberlin (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 25, 2015 by EOL − Wendy Feltham (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 15, 2016 by EOL − felixerhard (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 15, 2015 by EOL − Shelby C. (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 16, 2014 by EOL − Steven W. Calvert (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2020 by Ann Shippey (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2651122)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17207740-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polystichum munitum (Kaulf.) C. Presl)
Specifications
Growth form: Rhizomatous
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 5.8