The Sword Fern lives in the moist cool shady spots in the forest. Its leaves are about 20-60 inches long and dark green or brown. It's scientific name is Polystichum munitum which means many rows. Indians bundled them up as mattresses. Native American children played a game with this fern. They would take a big breath and try to see who could pull off the most pinnae while saying ''pila", which means sword fern in the Makah language. Today their fronds are used in floral arrangements.