species 77,491 observations

Western Sword Fern

Polystichum munitum

Field notes

Supports All

7 native animals
supported in the US

Caterpillars Moths and butterflies raised on it Brown Angle Shades, Thallophaga taylorata 2
Plant eaters Animals that feed on it Button's Banana Slug 1
Flower visitors Pollinators and other flower visitors Variable Duskyface Fly, Corrupt Barklouse, Alder Flea Beetle, Eupteryx furcata 4

Range

United States

Greener is more native, amber more introduced; paler is less certain. How this was decided

Key traits

Layer: Herbaceous plants
Light: Part shade Full shade
Moisture: Well drained Moist
Water use: High
Soil: Sand Loam Clay Organic
Soil pH: Acid
Drought tolerant: Yes
Habit: Clumping Erect
Plant type: Fern Herbaceous perennial

From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, NC State Extension and USDA PLANTS.