Sword Fern on Trail Poster
by lizardmarsh
The family above grows wild on a hillside of the South Bay Trail in Bellingham. Western sword ferns (Polystichum munitum) are native plants in western North America. There are many cultivars being sold but it is best to purchase the native variety. They are neat for many reasons. They appear sturdy and delicate simultaneously.The word sword in the name sounds very powerful and their height and constitution are strong, but they are graceful at the same time bowing down in a rainfall and swaying gently but with fine posture with moderate sunshine. They are rather carefree in the garden and should reappear annually healthy and upstanding. This fern variety is a practical groundcover that aesthetically accents almost any garden design. Typically liking low light and almost any soil condition, it is good for remediating polluted air and soil, as well as helping to prevent soil erosion from hillsides. The new babies are called fiddleheads which of course adds cute appeal. They also might protect you from evil spirits (see this Washington Native Plant Society article). Enjoy!
