The Sword Fern is a common plant in the rain forests in the Vancouver area and along the Pacific West Coast. They are found in areas that have a soggy thick soil and plenty of shade. The plant is shown in the process of growing to its final height of about a metre and a half. When photographed, these plants were maybe half a metre tall. Although these look to be the source of the tasty "fiddleheads" (which come from the similar looking Ostrich Fern), these are not at all appetizing. After considerable steaming or baking, they can be eaten but are considered only "starvation food".
Sword Fern in Spring
