| Polystichum scopulinum | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Pteridophyta |
| Class: | Pteridopsida |
| Order: | Polypodiales |
| Family: | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus: | Polystichum |
| Species: | P. scopulinum |
| Binomial name | |
| Polystichum scopulinum (D.C.Eaton) Maxon |
|
Polystichum scopulinum is a species of fern known by the common names mountain holly fern and rock sword fern. It is native to much of western North America, and it is known from disjunct occurrences in eastern Canada, as well.[1] It grows in rocky habitat, often in full sun. It is widespread but mostly found in small populations, and is noted to be most abundant on serpentine soils.[1] This fern produces several erect, narrowly lance-shaped leaves up to 50 centimeters in length. The leaves narrow near the bases. Each leaf is divided into many lance-shaped or oblong leaflets up to 3 centimeters long. The toothed leaflets are sometimes twisted on their axes and overlapping.