The sword fern, Polystichum munitum, is the most common fern in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. This beautiful and rugged fern thrives under a wide variety of conditions, especially shady, moist woodlands. It is evergreen, sending 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 and smothering competing plants.
This picture was taken during a prolonged period of subfreezing foggy weather in the mid-90s. We haven't had a cold spell like that one in Northwest Oregon since that time. Coincidence, or global warming?
All materials on this site are copyright 1992-2012 by Doug Gorsline / ashcreekimages.com
