Native Plants - March 2026

 Sword Fern

The sword fern is an evergreen perennial native to western North America, where it is one of the most abundant ferns in forested areas The dark green fronds of this fern grow 3-5 feet tall, in a tight clump spreading out radially from a round base. Sword ferns are a wonderful addition to any garden and transplant well.

Sword ferns offer shelter and nesting sites for ground-nesting birds. The dense, arching fronds create a protective canopy that shields nests from predators and harsh weather. Birds such as warblers, wrens, and vireos are attracted to fern-rich areas due to the abundance of insects, which serve as a food source

Native American tribes historically used the rhizomes as food (boiled, baked, or steamed), and the fronds for bedding, mats, and medicinal applications.

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