Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) Sword Fern is an evergreen fern with solid-looking fronds, up to 4 feet long, made up of a series of alternating “leaves”, each about 3” long Sword Fern is very common in Redwood groves and roadside hills..
Field ID Tips · Each frond has a central stem, and a series of alternating “leaves”. The leaves vary from 1” to 5” long, and are thicker right near the stem. · If you examine a single “leaf”, it can remind you of a sword, with the sword’s handle guard next to the stem. Links: Cal Photos Wikipedia Mountain Home To West Point Ferns	Sword ferns often grow together, forming a green carpet under redwood trees or in other shady areas. Notice the pale brown redwood needles and stems under the ferns. <<<PICTURE WITH REDWOODS>>> <<<PICTURE OF FERNS COVERING A HILLSIDE>>> <<<PICTURE OF BABY SWORD FERN>>>