Western Sword Fern is the most abundant and characteristic fern of Pacific Northwest forests, forming spectacular vase-shaped clumps of deep green, sword-like fronds that carpet the forest floor. A single large plant can have over 100 fronds. It provides important year-round cover for salamanders, small mammals, and ground-nesting birds.
Best time to see a Western Sword Fern
The best time to see a Western Sword Fern is February–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 40,118 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Western Sword Fern? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Western Sword Fern sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Western Sword Fern?
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