Quality Botanical Art & Affordable Prices
Vorobik Botanical Art
P.O. Box 866, Lopez Island, WA 98261. 510-520-2423. vorobik@gmail.com
All images on this site copyright Linda Ann Vorobik unless otherwise stated; Use granted only with written permission.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
click on image for detail view
Western Sword Fern
Polystichum munitum--click on image for detail view
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Original: Private Collection
Prints--200 edition, Giclee, Arches Watercolor paper, 17 by 22 inches
Cards--5 by 7 inches, $3.00 each
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
Dryopteridiaceae ~ Wood Fern Family
Western Sword Fern is one of the largest and most common ferns of the Pacific west. It is often an understory dominant of Douglas Fir forests or Coast Redwood forests, and can be found in a variety of plant communities from sea level to mountain forests.
Members of the genus Polystichum are distinguished in part by pinnae (leaflets) that sport a "hitchhiker's thumb"—the prominent lobe on the lower part of the pinna (leaflet). Western Sword Fern is closely related to Polysichum imbricans, a fern of drier habitats with pinnae that are layered up the midrib of the frond in an imbricated fashion. It is always a delight to come across some of the less common holly ferns such as Polystichum lemmonii or P. lonchitis. Each of these perennial ferns would be a wonderful addition to the garden, are relatively easy to grow, and many are available through the nursery trade.
