Latin Name Polystichum munitum Common Name Western Sword Fern Frond Condition: Evergreen Mature Height: 36-48 Country of Origin Western North America Cultural Requirements SS,PSH,FSH,EM,SM USDA Zone 7,8,9 Notes Out of Stock - Western North America Price

These are simply the most "fern-like" of ferns to the uninitiated with their long spear-shaped simply pinnate fronds. Generally the prickly pinnae are long, narrow, and pointed. The characteristic polystichum "thumb", or auricle, which is a projection of the upper edge of the pinna next to the rachis, is easily spotted on this fern. Close scrutiny of large populations yield quite an interesting range of slight pinnae modulations, from various degrees of pinnatifidness, to twists to the pinnae at various points, to the setoseness of the edges.