Common Name: Western Sword Fern

Family: Dryopteridaceae

Description: This is a handsome, hardy, evergreen type of fern that grows well in the Northwest. The fronds are erect and taper slightly near the base while the leaflets are bristle-toothed with an 'ear'. The stalks have large and small scales and spore cases are in 2 or more rows. This fern enjoys shade and grows well in forests and on rocky slopes.

Distribution: ak,ca,id,mt,or,sd,wa