Evergreen fern, with gray-green, deeply cut, leathery, arching fronds. Yellow-green in spring, the fronds turn to blue-green to dull olive green. Coarse brown scales appear while fronds unfold.

Easy to grow in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil. Prefers moist, rich, humus, acidic soils and protection from wind.

Use in the woodland, shade garden or shaded border area. Native woodland fern often found in shaded crevices of rocky ledges and bluffs.