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.
Habitat
Pacific Northwest coniferous and mixed forests from Alaska to California
Diet
Dense fronds provide year-round ground cover and shelter for wildlife
How common
Common
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