This is a delicate creeping fern with deeply lobed fronds and fan shaped leaves. They grow best in soil and rock crevices, fully or partly shaded hillsides, and moist woods. However, they are intolerant of frequent summer water.

The plant grows from 8 inches to 2 feet tall and spreads via slender rhizomes, not aggressively, and requires excellent drainage. The petioles are a dark redish brown to blackish and shiny with new fronds lighter in color and growing deep into a vivid green. The spores are found on the underside of the leaves at the margin. The blade is much longer than wide, not forked.

It grows in coastal regions throughout the state and locally flourishes on Angel Island as well as in areas of the East Bay.