Fern-tastic Sword Ferns
Meet a sword fern!
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you have probably seen these plants sprouting up from the forest floor before, making our forests feel lush and full. Let's learn a little more about them!
Western Sword Ferns, also known as Polystichum munitum or pala-pala in Lushootseed have had a place in the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years, and coast salish communities use them for pit ovens, medicinal purposes, berry drying racks, floral displays, landscaping, and more!
Ferns in general have been around since the dinosaurs!
Ferns and the Forest
Bats flying
Where do Western Sword Ferns live?
Here! They thrive in our rainy state and all the way from British Columbia to California and as far east to Montana.
How do Sword Ferns help to the forest?
They are great members of the forest, here are a few ways they contribute:
- Provide a home for animals: They give shelter and food to birds, insects, and small animals.
- Protect the soil: Their roots hold the soil in place, stopping it from washing away when it rains.
- Nourish the soil: When the ferns grow and their leaves fall down, they add good nutrients back into the soil.
What animals enjoy sword ferns?
Activities
Can you find a Sword Fern?
With your adult, print this guide and see if you can spot a sword fern!
Let's see what they would look like in person!
Word Search
Click and drag on the letters below to highlight the words you have found!
Sword Fern Quiz
Test what you learned in this quick quiz!
Bats flying at sunset.
How can we help Sword Ferns?
One thing we can do is can plant sword ferns in our yard or similar understory plants.
Click the link below to learn how to plant understory plants with our friends at Pierce Conservation District!
How to submit your own soil sample!
Thank you to
Forest Health Watch for helping us make this video!
Bats flying at sunset
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