Perennials > Polystichum > Polystichum munitum > Polystichum munitum
Polystichum munitum
Western Sword Fern, Sword Fern, Giant Holly Fern
Origin: Genus name originates from the Greek word 'polys' meaning many and 'stix', which means a row, in reference to the rows of spore clusters called sori on the underside of fronds. Native to North America.
| Family |
| Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus |
| Polystichum |
| Species |
| munitum |
| Category |
| Perennials |
| Type |
| Ferns |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 1a - 6a |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 0a - 5b |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H7 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| -51 - (-21) |
| Temperature (°F) |
| -60 - (-5) |
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Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| Polystichum munitum is a hardy evergreen fern with short rhizomes and linear, leathery fronds. |
| Landscape |
| Ferns make a nice addition to herbaceous borders, rock and cottage gardens or as an underplanting of roses and shrubs. |
| Cultivation |
| Grow in part sun to full shade, in moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5. In shade and water-retentive soil it will tolerate dry conditions. Good drainage is essential. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| Pests |
| Polystichum are susceptible to a fungal disease called Taphrina wettsteiniana, identified by black lesions on the upper surface of fronds and layer of white spores underneath. In spring, it is wise to remove old fronds that could be infected. Peach leaf curl is another possible problem. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| Young plants are covered in dense brown scales. |
| Leaf Description |
| Green, acuminate with margins serrate to biserrate, arranged pinnately (in rows directly opposite) up to 40 per side on stipes (stalks) up to 18 cm long with dense scales near the base. The whole frond can grow up to 19 cm long, evergreen, with a leathery texture. |
| Propagation |
| By spores or division in the spring. |
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