Polystichum munitum

One of the most prominent plants of the Pacific Northwest, extending down into the Sierra Nevada. Not occurring in the southwest. Very similar to Polystichum imbricans, distinguished most reliably by the persistent scales on distal rachises and by the ciliate indusia. Polystichum munitum is also typically found in moister habitats.

Plant habit in the Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Washington, 1 Aug 2008.

Plant habit, again, Hoh Rainforest, 1 Aug 2008.

Leaflets in the Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, 1 Aug 2008.

Leaflets, abaxial view showing sori, Hoh Rainforest, Washington, 1 Aug 2008.

Distal portion of a leaf in Hoh Rainforest, 1 Aug 2008.

Plant habit on Hall's Ranch Trail in the northern Sierra Nevada, 8/3/06. The habitat here is more typical of Polystichum imbricans.

Adaxial view of pinnae, showing sori and persistent rachis scales. Hall's Ranch Trail, 8/3/06. The ciliate sorus margins are also visible in larger versions of this image, but alas not at this size.

Adaxial view of pinnae, Hall's Ranch Trail, 8/3/06.