Common Sword Fern Polystichum munitum
Polystichum munitum Very common in shady, damp, rich woods from sea level to 2,500' throughout western parts of Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and northern California. Grow in large, dense clumps 2 to 3 feet high. Once pinnately compound, distinguished by pinules growing directly out of primary stem starting near the base. Named because profile of each frond is shaped something like a medieval broadsword; wide at the base, tapering to the tip. As in most ferns, clusters of brownish spores accumulate on the back side. If you notice that the tips of fronds are missing, that is a sign that a colony of Mountain Beaver lives nearby. Sword Ferns and Stinging Nettle are the Mountain Beaver's choice foods. Native Americans used Swordferns for mattresses and to line floors and fire pits. Fern, common name for a diverse group (division Polypodiophyta) of usually perennial, spore-producing PLANTS with divided, evergreen or deciduous leaves (fronds) arising from slender, horizontal rhizomes (underground stems) or stout, ascending rootstalks. Tropical and subtropical tree ferns may grow several metres high. Related tree-like species dating to the Devonian period (410-353 million years ago) and reaching highest development in the Carboniferous period (353-300 million years ago), comprised some of the vegetation forming coal beds (see FOSSILS). Recent advances in knowledge have necessitated taxonomic realignments: in N America north of Mexico, 20 families encompassing 65 genera and 345 species are now recognized; 13 families, 31 genera and 114 species have been recorded for Canada.
Size: 3964px × 5289px
Location: Englishman River Parksville Vancouver Island Canada
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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