California Swordfern

Polystichum californicum

Native to:
Canada, United States
California Swordfern

Daderot

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Pteridophyta | - Ferns
Family:
Polypodiaceae
Genus:
Polystichum
Species:
Polystichum californicum
USDA Symbol:
POCA25

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
small mammals, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers shaded forested areas

Propagation & Germination

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI