Western Sword Fern

The Western Sword Fern is a bold and striking evergreen native fern that grows 3 to 5 feet tall, depending on your garden conditions. It has broad fronds with horizontal leaflets, of glossy green that grow upright and then arch over, making a beautiful effect in your beds. It is notable for growing in the shade of conifer evergreens like fir and cedar, where most plants won’t grow, and tolerating drier and hotter conditions than most other ferns can. Plant it beneath trees and large shrubs, in woodland gardens, by water or ponds, along shady paths or on rocky slopes. Mix it with other shade-loving plants like Hosta and Astilbe for beautiful effects.

• Big, lush evergreen fern to 4 feet tall or more
• Striking clump of upright, arching fronds
• Grows well beneath conifer evergreens
• Ideal plant for shady, damp places
• Bring dull, dark areas to life

The Western Sword Fern will grow in some sun in cooler zones, with afternoon shade, and in full shade everywhere. It will be most luxurious and large in moist, rich soils, but it still grows in drier, poorer soils as well. Established plants are more drought tolerant than many other ferns are. Pests, diseases, rabbits and deer are almost never problems. Remove any dead fronds as needed, and cut down to the ground in late winter if it becomes overgrown and untidy after a few years.