Our native sword fern, Polystichum munitum — also called western sword fern — is a handsome, easy-care groundcover in woodland settings. Its arching, deep green fronds are evergreen, giving structure and winter interest when much of the garden has gone quiet. It forms tidy, rounded clumps 2–3′ tall and wide. It looks best when you cut back last year's fronds to make room for fresh new growth — timing matters, so get the old fronds out before the new ones start to unfurl. Those unfurling fronds are worth watching for on their own, adding a bit of seasonal interest. You don't need to do this every year, but it's an easy, reliable way to refresh a fern that's looking tattered.

It's a tough, fool-proof native, happy anywhere from part sun to deepest shade on low to average water, and extremely drought tolerant once established. Tolerates our winter wet, summer dry conditions of the Pacific Northwest. It's deer resistant too. Use it as a groundcover under the canopy of taller trees, on a slope for erosion control, or anywhere you need a reliable, low-maintenance planting that looks good in every season.