ExplorePlants

Narrowleaf sword fern

Polystichum imbricans

The Narrowleaf sword fern is a lovely green plant with long, narrow leaves that look like swords! It grows in shady places and adds beauty to forests and gardens.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Narrowleaf sword fern has stiff, upright fronds with distinct, narrow leaflets that overlap slightly like roof shingles. Its dark green leaves form a striking, erect clump, visually setting it apart from broader-leafed ferns.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyDryopteridaceaeGenusPolystichum
Narrowleaf sword fern
ornamental trait badgegrasslike trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgeevergreen trait badge
Narrowleaf sword fern

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Instead of seeds, it makes tiny, dust-like spores to reproduce!

Its fronds feel stiff and leathery, almost like plastic!

Look closely: its leaflets stack like tiny roof tiles!

This fern's leaves stay green all year, even in winter snow!

Special abilities

Ability

Spore Slingers

Narrowleaf sword fern can launch tiny spores from its fronds, helping it spread far and wide without needing seeds!

Ability

Evergreen Edge

The Narrowleaf sword fern has tough, leathery fronds that stay green all winter, helping it photosynthesize longer.

Ability

Shingle Shield

Its overlapping, scale-like leaflets help shed excess water, protecting the fern from moisture extremes.

Measurements & details

Height
30-90 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial

Ecological connections

eaten by

Mule deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Occasionally browsed by deer, especially in lean seasons.

shelters

Black slug

Arion ater

Provides damp cover for slugs and other small creatures.

depends on

Bonnet mushroom

Mycena adscendens

Decomposes dead fern fronds on the forest floor.

shelters

Redwood sorrel

Oxalis oregana

Its canopy helps shade understory plants like redwood sorrel.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always be careful when exploring plants, and don't touch any you don't know.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Narrowleaf sword fern?

30-90 cm

How wide does Narrowleaf sword fern spread?

30-60 cm

Is Narrowleaf sword fern edible?

No

Is Narrowleaf sword fern toxic?

None

What is Narrowleaf sword fern's lifecycle?

Perennial

Where is Narrowleaf sword fern usually found?

Forests

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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