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.

Polystichum scopulinum
Conservation status
Apparently Secure  (NatureServe)
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 (D.C.Eaton) Maxon

P. scopulinum is probably a fertile allotetraploid with Polystichum munitum as one parent.^[3][4]