Also known as Common Sword Fern · Giant Holly Fern · Pacific Sword Fern
Western Swordfern (Polystichum munitum) is an evergreen fern native to western North America. It features leathery, sword-shaped fronds and thrives in shady, moist enviro
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Shade
25% intensity
Prefers dappled sunlight or shady conditions. Protect from direct, intense afternoon sun.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Reduce watering in winter.
Moist, Well-drained, Humus-rich
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 10°C and 24°C. Can tolerate occasional dips below freezing.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced, slow-release formula. Avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Check the soil moisture regularly; the top few centimeters should feel dry before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Remove dead, damaged, or yellowing fronds by cutting them at the base of the plant. This can be done anytime during the growing season. Pruning also helps maintain the plant's tidy appearance and encourages new growth.
Dispose of removed fronds properly.
Propagate Western Swordfern primarily through division of established clumps. In spring or fall, carefully dig up the plant and divide the rhizomes into smaller sections, each with healthy roots and at least one frond.
Replant divisions promptly in moist soil.
Repotting is generally not necessary for established outdoor plants. For container-grown specimens, repot every 2-3 years in spring when the plant becomes root-bound.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Western Swordfern (Polystichum munitum)
Where Western Swordfern (Polystichum munitum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Polystichum |
| Species | Polystichum munitum × scopulinum |
Similar in genus Polystichum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
