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Narrowleaf Sword Fern (Polystichum imbricans)

Narrowleaf Sword Fern

Overview

Narrowleaf Sword Fern (Polystichum imbricans) is a compact, evergreen fern from western North America, with narrow, overlapping pinnae giving a tidy, architectural appearance.

Taxonomy

Family:	Dryopteridaceae
Genus:	Polystichum (pol-IS-tick-um)
Species:	imbricans (IM-brih-KANS)

Description

Fronds are 20–40 cm long, pinnate, with closely spaced, lanceolate pinnae that overlap (imbricate). Stipes are scaly. Sori are round with peltate indusium.

Habitat and Cultivation

Found on rocky slopes and cliffs in subalpine zones. In gardens, provide well-drained, gritty soil in sun to part shade. Drought-tolerant once established. Hardy in USDA zones 5–8.

Ferns: Hosta plantaginea: The Fragrant Species with Giant White Flowers; Comfortroot (Hibiscus aculeatus); Hibiscus hamabo: Coastal Species; Lemmaphyllum microphyllum; Huperzia gnidioides (Fir Clubmoss); California Sword Fern (Polystichum californicum); Blechnum lehmannii; Pleopeltis angusta; Polypodium guttatum; Japanese Brake Fern (Pteris nipponica): Elegant Variegated Fern for Shade

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