Western Sword Fern

The western sword fern (Polystichum munitum) has a wide distribution, ranging from southeast Alaska to southern California. It is prefers to live in the understory, in cool dark places. It can be identified by its dark green color and single, pinnate frond. The ferns grows in clumps and reproduces by spores. Native Ohlone likely ate the roots of ferns and the leaves/fronds of the plant were used to line cooking pits and baskets, beds and floors.