Photo: Jami Dwyer · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Sword Fern
Sword fern produces long, upright fronds of neatly ranked, deep-green leaflets on sturdy stems. Wild-harvested in the Pacific Northwest, it is a reliable, inexpensive cut green with a fresh, natural character. Florists use its bold, tapering blades to build structure, add length and frame bouquets and arrangements. Hardier than many ferns, it holds its colour and form well through a design's life.
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Western North America |
| Peak season | June, July, August |
| Availability | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Stem length | 30–60 cm |
| Vase life | 7–14 days |
| Colors | green |
| Price tier | budget |
Recut the stem ends and remove the lower leaflets before a deep drink of cool water. Submerging the fronds briefly helps them firm up and hydrate fully. Keep them cold and out of direct sun to preserve the rich green. Recut and refresh the water to maintain freshness.
- •Recut stems before conditioning
- •Strip lower leaflets
- •Give a deep cool drink
- •Keep out of direct sun
- •Store cold to hold colour
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Botanical reference
- Common name
- Pacific sword fern
- Also known as
- western sword fern, Aetopteron munitum, Aspidium munitum, Aspidium munitum incisoserratum, Aspidium munitum nudatum, Dryopteris munita, Nephrodium plumula, Polypodium munitum, Polystichum minutum, Polystichum munitum flabellatum, Polystichum munitum inciso-serratum, Polystichum munitum incisoserratum
- Distribution
- Alaska, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico Northwest, Montana, North America, Oregon, South Dakota
Open-data sources: GBIF, Wikidata (CC0/CC BY)
Frequently asked questions
When is Sword Fern in season?
Sword Fern peaks in June, July, August, and florists can usually source it January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Sword Fern last in a vase?
Expect 7–14 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Sword Fern?
Good substitutes for Sword Fern include Leatherleaf Fern, Asparagus Fern, Dicranopteris fern. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Sword Fern symbolise?
Sword Fern is associated with shelter, sincerity, natural strength, renewal.
How do you care for cut Sword Fern?
Recut stems before conditioning
Related flowers
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