End of the winter on the Southern Gulf Islands of BC…

Here is a shot of the Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum), all dried up and curled up, in winter mode. New fronds are issuing form the ground.  According to traditional teachings, in the spring, when no other food source was available, its roots were a food item for various First nations tribes of the West Coast of North America. Roasted and peeled, the roots were eaten… like potatoes, I guess.
I like its elegant lines.