I grow Western Sword Ferns by the dozen...not because they're my favorite, but because they're native to my area, and so always available. They're definitely hardy here, but we only dip down below 20°F a few nights out of the year - and we get about three light dustings of snow per winter.

Western Sword ferns are also fairly drought tolerant.

I plant them all over the place, although full sun will make them look ratty. Make sure to allow enough room, too - these ferns aren't exceptionally tall, but they are wide.

Let me see if I have any good pics in photobucket already....
Well, I'll have to take some better pics later.
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Thanks Greenman. The pictures were great! Now I will have to find someplace where I might be able to obtain them.

Just a few more....
An update on the big sword fern above.
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And an example of ferns along a border.
Sword ferns mixed with Dryopteris.
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Thanks for the pictures. I have located a great source for the ferns from an individual in the northwest.

Greenman you have done well. I will be adding these to my fren "to get" list. Now to find where I can get them in the southeast.

Id like to buy some of your sword ferns love theme had at other house..can't find them here in. Elyria.oh 44035. Address 189 gull dr. Elyria

oh 44035

try these sources:

kendrickforestfarm.com
forestfarm.com

I have this fern and have been wondering what it's called. I love it and it seems to be doing great here in the hot desert as long as it doesn't get direct sun for very long and it seems to be the perfect shade cover for my clover.