The most common fern in the forests of the Pacific Northwest is the sword fern, Polystichum munitum. This beautiful and rugged fern thrives under a wide variety of conditions. It is evergreen, ending up new fronds from the center of the plant every spring. Outer fronds age, turn brown, and wither at the base of the plant as the years pass forming a protective mulch.
This picture shows Sword Fern fronds rimmed with hoar frost against a background of of fallen autumn leaves.
