Western Sword Fern
The Western Sword Fern is a lush spreading perennial that adds a hint of tropical, woodlands or rustic beauty to any landscape or patio area. The glossy, leather-like fronds unfurl from fiddle shaped sprouts and can reach up 3-4 ft. in length. They perform beautifully in full to part shade, but can tolerate some light sun in Zones 5-9. This fern is one of the few that will thrive in the shade of taller trees so works well as an understory plant for bare areas. The Western Sword Fern is considered mildly drought tolerant once established, is very deer resistant and can provide color when other plants have faded or gone dormant. Cut back old, faded fronds when new growth begins in spring because dead fronds will not shrivel or fall off on their own.