| Polystichum scopulinum | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Division: | Polypodiophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Polypodiales |
| Suborder: | Polypodiineae |
| Family: | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus: | Polystichum |
| Species: | P. scopulinum |
| Binomial name | |
| Polystichum scopulinum | |
Polystichum scopulinum is a species of fern known by the common names mountain hollyfern [1] and rock sword fern. [2] It is native to much of western North America, and it is known from disjunct occurrences in eastern Canada as well. [2] 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. [2] 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.
P. scopulinum is probably a fertile allotetraploid with Polystichum munitum as one parent. [3] [4]
