Polystichum munitum (18/11/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Partial shade to dappled shade
Flowering period: N/A
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1.2m
Eventual Spread: 90cm
Hardiness: 4a – 9b
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Polystichum munitum is an evergreen clump forming fern. Its dark green leaves are in the form of fronds, single pinnate, up to 1.8m long and arranged in a shuttle cock shape. Each pinnate is up to 15cm long with serrate margins. Its roots are in the form of rhizomes.
Polystichum munitum, commonly known as the Western Sword Form or Sword Fern, is native to western North America. In its native habitat it grows in moist coniferous forests or rocky crevices.
The etymological root of the binomial name Polystichum is from the Greek polys meaning ‘many’ and stichos meaning ‘a row’, first used by German botanist Albrecht Roth to describe the spore cases on the back of the leaves. Munitum is derived from the Latin munitus meaning ‘fortified’, in reference to the fronds of this fern.
The landscape architect may find Polystichum munitum useful as part of a woodland planting scheme or in locations which are damp and lightly shady. This plant is unappealing to rabbits and deer.
Ecologically, Polystichum munitum is of little value to wildlife.
Polystichum munitum Detail (18/11/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Polystichum munitum their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1997.
Polystichum munitum prefers moist, fertile, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Polystichum munitum requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring.
