One of the most popular California native ferns for landscaping applications, Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) is appreciated for its dark green fronds that grow tightly in a clump and fan out radially from the base of the plant.
This large fern grows up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide, making it a lovely ornamental groundcover for shade areas. Moderate to fast growing in partial to full shade, it looks best with moderate to regular water. As a forest plant, it grows well on hillsides and slopes with well-draining, rocky, acidic soil, though it can also tolerate clay soil.
This attractive fern is a favorite for many woodland gardens because it attracts butterflies, but is deer and rabbit resistant.
Polystichum munitum - Western Sword Fern
Optimal Growth Conditions
- Mature Height: 2 - 6 feet
- Mature Width: 2 - 3 feet
- Sun: Partial Shade, Shade
- Water: Moderate, High
- Soil Drainage: Medium, Slow
Geographic Appropriateness
- USDA Zone: Zones 5 - 9
- Sunset Zone: Zones 4 - 9, 14 - 24
- Native Sites: Wooded hillsides, slopes, outcrops, and occasionally cliffs
Additional Landscaping Information
- Characteristics: California Native, Evergreen
- Special Uses: Containers, Deer resistant, Groundcover, Lawn alternative