Polypodiaceae
Polystichum imbricans subsp. imbricans
Polystichum imbricans subsp. imbricans
Also known as Polystichum munitum var. imbricans, Polystichum munitum var. nudatum
Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Fern · Native · Pacific Northwest · Shade · Polystichum · Woodland · Evergreen · Groundcover · California Native · Low Light
Imbricate sword fern is a compact, evergreen native fern found along the Pacific Coast that excels in shaded woodland gardens. Plant it in humus-rich, well-drained soil and keep moisture levels consistent to mimic its natural forest floor habitat. It is a great low-light option for shady borders and pairs beautifully with other Pacific Northwest natives.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 3 hours
- Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry summer months; do not allow to fully dry out · Every 7-10 days
- Maintenance
- Moderate
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.8–7.5
- Temperature
- -10°F to 85°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 5a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 18 in – 3 ft
- Spread
- 2 ft
- Spacing
- 18 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- Yes
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- British Columbia, California, Oregon, Washington
- Attracts
- Birds
Sources: trefle, usda
More Polystichum
Related plants from the same genus
Common sword fern
Polystichum munitum
Partial Sun · Moderate · Moderate
Christmas fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
Partial Shade · Moderate · Moderate
Soft shield-fern
Polystichum setiferum
Partial Shade · Moderate · Moderate
Polystichum imbricans subsp. curtum
Polystichum imbricans subsp. curtum
Partial Shade · Moderate · Moderate
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