Polystichum munitum
western sword fern
Habitat:
Western sword fern grows on moist well drained sites in shade or partial sun. Range from southeastern Alaska south to Baja, California , with populations in northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, northwestern Montana, northeastern Oregon, and British Columbia and throughout the western Coast and Cascade ranges, and into northwestern California (Randall et al 1988).
Western sword fern is a medium-sized, perennial, long-lived, evergreen fern with many leaves (fronds),clustered on a short, vertical rhizome . Stems are erect or ascending and fronds arch outward , forming a crown . Fronds are leathery and evergreen. Frond size varies depending on location and site conditions and may range from about 8 to 98 inches (Randall et al 1988).
Map Courtesy of USGS