Sword Fern Rhizomes
by Marilyn Wilson
Title
Sword Fern Rhizomes
Artist
Marilyn Wilson
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The new growth of the Western Sword Fern, or the Polystichum Munitum, reminds me of the science fiction creatures, the Triffids, the plant-like aliens that try to take over the world in John Wyndham's book, The Day of the Triffids.
A few facts from gardening sites:
Sword ferns are abundant in the Pacific Northwest. They are magnificent evergreen ferns that form massive clumps with fronds from 2-5 feet in length. They are found in shaded locations from Alaska to California, and east through the Rocky Mountain ranges. In early spring, the young fronds, or fiddleheads, begin to grow and slowly unroll. A very hardy plant, they are also not susceptible to damage by deer.
Native North Americans used nearly every part of the sword fern. Fronds were used on berry-drying racks, to separate food in storage, and to line baking pits. They were piled for use as mattresses. The young curled fronds were chewed to soothe sore throats, and the rhizomes were dug in the spring, peeled and roasted over a fire or steamed in a baking pit, and served with fresh or dried salmon eggs.
Sword ferns may be divided in spring if the clump is large and the roots are well developed.
Fine Art America watermark will not be on your purchased print.
Uploaded
May 24th, 2013
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