Sword fern, Giant holly fern, Western sword fern
Polystichum munitum

Family: Dryopteridaceae

What it is like

A fern. It grows 60-120 cm high and 90-120 cm wide. It has a slow creeping rhizome. The fronds are sword shaped and leathery. They are 50-120 cm long. They are twice divided. There are up to 40 leaflets on each side. They are matt dark green and slightly hairy underneath. The leaflets are spiny toothed. They have orange spore bodies underneath.

There are about 200 Polystichum species.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It grows in moist shaded woods. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The roots/rhizomes are roasted and eaten. They are also steamed or boiled. The leaves are used as a flavouring.

Edible parts

Root, rhizome

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Aspidium munitum;