The western sword fern (Polystichum munitum) is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. The western sword fern hardiness zone is 3 to 8. Western sword ferns should be kept outside, and this plant thrives in a temperate rainforest habitat of wet, well-drained, tree-fed-topsoil and dappled shade. Please know that a direct afternoon sunlight may burn the leaves of this plant. The western sword fern can reach several feet in height, and can you imagine the joy of such majesty at your front doorstep. Once the plant is established in one’s garden, it largely loves to be left alone. However, this lush, fine fern may very well appreciate some water during the driest seasons. The plant is a primal treat, and it will prosper as an evergreen beauty in your garden even during the hottest, driest days of summer, of you treat this plant as the queen of the forest that she truly is. The western sword fern is an ancient plant from even before the time of flowers, and it provides priceless wildlife nesting and nourishment to a variety of animals, mammals and amphibians alike. Elk as well as toads may visit your magical fairyland with this fern of the fay. The fronds are edible, best as early shoots, highly nutritious, and can be consumed cooked or raw. The insightful indigenous of the earth plane have long used the western sword fern as pain medicine. At Portland Plant Paradise, we offer a free consult with each and every shop purchase, and we look forward to speaking with you about this most priceless plant. This offer is for one organic 12 inch rooted seedling. Total price is $50. Free shipping. Please know that we do not mail out to PO Boxes without explicit customer permission in writing.