These attractive ferns are natives of western North America, with some populations found in
parts of northeastern North America as well. They are found on shady, moist streambanks, ridges
or ledges, and on rocky slopes. They have a fondness for serpentinite rock.
Plants: These ferns have a rather delicate appearance. They
are 18-30" (46-76 cm) in size. The
stem (stipe) is red-brown to black in color.
Leaves: Bipinnate fronds are in a
palmate arrangement, like fingers on a hand. Fronds are
8-18" (20-45 cm) long.