Polystichum munitum (Western Sword Fern) is an evergreen fern native to western North America, where it is one of the most abundant ferns occurring along the Pacific coast from southeast Alaska south to southern California, and also inland east to southeastern British Columbia, northern Idaho and western Montana, with ...

Are sword ferns evergreen?

This is one of our most useful native ferns and a staple in the Northwest garden. Sword fern is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and sun exposures, from wet to dry, sun to shade. ... Sword fern is evergreen and forms a shapely, arching mound.

Can sword ferns survive winter?

Sword fern plants will keep their foliage throughout winter and can be trimmed back in spring if desired, though it's usually better to only cut off dead foliage.

Are tassel ferns evergreen?

Polystichum polyblepharum, commonly called tassel fern, is an evergreen fern that is native to Japan and southern Korea. It features shiny, bipinnate, dark green fronds (to 1-2' long) with finely divided but overlapping pinnae. ... Tassels disappear as fronds flatten with maturity.

How do you grow polystichum Munitum?

A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Will grow in full sun if watered regularly in summer. Will tolerate dry shade and poorer soil once established. Protect crowns from excessive winter wet.

sword fern - Polystichum munitum. Identification and characteristics

24 related questions found

Is Western sword fern invasive?

The common name sword fern also refers to Nephrolepis cordifolia, an ornamental fern species that is considered invasive in Florida; it can also be called the tuberous sword fern, narrow sword fern or the fishbone fern.

How do you care for Polystichum ferns?

Polystichum setiferum

1. Position: full or partial shade.
2. Soil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
3. Rate of growth: average.
4. Hardiness: fully hardy. ...
5. Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole.

Is Southern Shield fern an evergreen?

Dryopteris ludoviciana is a stately, semi-evergreen, clumping fern, native to the southeastern US, that makes a wonderful addition to the woodland garden. According to fern guru Dr. ...

Do you cut back tassel ferns?

Maintenance & pruning: Cut back old fronds after new growth begins in spring. Divide the root clump in spring to propagate this fern.

Are tassel ferns invasive?

Is The Tassel Fern Considered Invasive? Japanese Tassel Fern is a good looking mid-size fern that does very well in shady, moist locations. The plant forms small clumps of deep green, arching fronds that stay green throughout most of the year in mild locations. This well-behaved fern is not invasive.

Can ferns stay outside in winter?

Ferns grown in containers outdoors may survive the winter in very cold climates if you bring them indoors. ... Indoors, give your fern a medium level of indirect light, no additional fertilizer and a bit less water than you gave it during the growing season outdoors.

Are sword ferns Hardy?

A hardy, drought-tolerant ground cover native to shady woodlands from Alaska to California in the United States, western sword ferns also are dramatic houseplants to brighten up a corner in a dark room.

Are ferns winter hardy?

With winter temperatures down to -40 F (and -40 C), a lot of plants popular in warmer climates just can't survive from one growing season to the next. Ferns, however, are one variety of plant that is extremely hardy and adaptable. ... Not all ferns are cold hardy, but quite a few are.

When should I prune my sword fern?

EVERGREEN FERNS (Sword Fern, Deer Fern) should not be cut back until late spring as the old fronds protect the new fiddleheads. SUB-SHRUBS (Lavender, Santolina) can be tidied up and old flowers removed, but more severe pruning should be left until growth resumes in spring.

When can I move my sword ferns?

Suitable for planting in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8b through 11, sword fern is adaptable and easily transplanted.

1. Transplant sword fern after the first frost in fall or as soon as new growth emerges in spring.
2. Prepare a shady spot where the soil is moist but not soggy.

How often should you water a sword fern?

Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil - weekly, or more often. Provide humus rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, water as needed to maintain consistent soil moisture.

Do ferns come back every year?

Ferns are perennial plants, which means that they grow back every year. As long as your fern is healthy, you do not need to worry that cutting it back will hurt it or prevent it from growing back the following spring. On the contrary, you will be helping the plant by directing all of its energy towards its new growth.

Should I cut back my ferns for winter?

Lightly cutting back ferns in autumn before winter can help clean up your outdoor ferns in preparation for weathering winter conditions, but you don't want to necessarily do a heavy pruning in fall or winter because the fronds that stay on all winter may help protect your fern in winter months.

Does Southern Shield fern spread?

Growing Southern Shield Ferns

The shield fern plant, like other ferns, is notable for its long arching, bright green fronds. ... The plant spreads via rhizomes to form colonies and fill an area rapidly.

What ferns take full sun?

Sun-tolerant ferns include cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) which reaches heights of 24 to 36 inches and grows in USDA zones 2 through 10. Royal fern (Osmunda regalis), a large fern that grows to mature heights of 3 to 4 feet, is suitable for USDA zones 2 through 10.

Is polystichum Setiferum evergreen?

Polystichum setiferum is a large, British native evergreen fern, bearing soft, dark green fronds that emerge upright before unfurling and falling open.

Will ferns grow in dry shade?

Many ferns do well in dry shade. Their intricate leaves (fronds) are beautiful in their own right, and combine well with other plants, especially those with big shiny leaves, or narrow, grassy ones. Look out for shield ferns (Polystichum) and Dryopteris ferns as they are among the best for dry gardens.

Do I need to prune my ferns?

Little pruning is needed but do remove any dead or unsightly fronds before the new crosiers (unrolling leaf tips) appear. Clear away any debris to encourage good air circulation.