Western sword fern. A coarsely-textured evergreen fern with dark green, leathery fronds to 2-4’ tall. The sword-shaped fronds form symmetrical upright clumps and thrive in light to deep shade in soils rich in organic matter. A durable native species, this is the most common fern in redwood forests. Exceptional choice in mixed woodland plantings with other native species such as Carex tumulicola, western azalea or flowering currants. Use in shady beds, along walls, or massed as a groundcover. Moderate to occasional water. Hardy to 0F. California to Alaska.
