Is it actually two different intertwined ferns?

There do seem to be two distinct leaf shapes. But I suppose that's not impossible with ferns.

Thanks, people!! I'll try to take better pictures.

Btw, do I need to know what kind it is to put in a barrier so it doesn't spread? Or is there a general rule about that, for ferns? (I like them, but they are a bit too assertive ... ) In terms of what sort of barrier, how deep it has to go, etc ?

Thanks again!!

" Btw, do I need to know what kind it is to put in a barrier so it doesn't spread? "

Yes. A great many types of ferns are clumpers and require no containment. It would be a waste of time and effort to install a barrier if not needed.

If it is the tuberous sword fern floral suggested, that does spread......by those rounded root nutlets (actually rhizomes). In SoCal, not so aggressively as to cause problems.

You know, now that I am looking more closely, you-all could be right - maybe it is 2 different kinds. The leaf patterns do look different.

And while there are at least 2 clumps in my photos - which may confuse the matter - there are some that are creating spores (?), and some that aren't - in case that helps with id.

Back of frond, front of frond:

And another(?) one,

front of frond, back of frond closeup:

These ferns are on a northern side, and they are getting into an area where I don't want them. They are kind of high in spots - about 4' high. (Though, I think those have sort of piled onto each other, somehow.)

If I can figure out how, it would be nice to have a barrier, just to save the energy. It's true though that they are not that hard to pull out.