In coastal Oregon forests it is one of the ten most frequently used foods of Roosevelt elk. On the Olympic peninsula of Washington, the fronds are eaten yearlong and are of medium importance to Roosevelt elk. Its use is moderately heavy in winter when snow depth permits grazing. In one study, it was found in eight of nine Roosevelt elk stomachs sampled and accounted for 9.2 percent of the total food volume eaten. In Oregon western sword fern is a preferred food of mountain beaver.
Humans can eat the very young fronds.
Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels are higher in the understory of seral red alder stands than in the understory of Douglas-fir stands. The federal Fire Effects Information System has extensive information . Eboni Spruill and E.M. 's Plant Report ULC Retreat sells them. Washington State University Gardening gives brief information . Streamside Native Plants sells live plants .