Sword fern has long, narrow fronds, extending 20-180 cm long (nearly 6 ft tall!), which radiate from the fern’s clumpy, round base. The dark green fronds are composed of narrow, serrated blades, which grow from the hairy, yellowish center stem. The bladed leafs, or pinna, are 1-15 cm long and curl slightly up towards the frond’s point. The underside of the pinna are spotted with spore sacs, which look like raised brown dots.
Basic Information
Member of the Dryopteridaceae, or wood fern, family
Evergreen fern
Habitat
Native to the North American Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska down to southern California, east to northern Idaho and western Montana
Commonly found in coniferous forests, including pine and redwood forests
Ecological Role
Provides shelter to small animals
Reproduction
This is a non-flowering species — rather than produce flowers, this plant releases airborne spores to reproduce
Sporulates from July to September
Alternative Names
Western Sword Fern, Western Swordfern, Pineland Swordfern
Historical Uses
When food was scarce, the Quileute, Ohlone, Makah, Klallam, and other Native American/First Nations peoples roasted, peeled, and ate the rhizomes (horizontal underground root)
The fronds were also used by many Native American tribes to line fire pits, food drying racks and fill mattresses
The Coast Salish people of B.C. and Washington used this plant as a pain reliever
Additional Information
The fronds of this plant live for 1.5-2.5 years