Perennial. Rhizome creeping, horizontal or oblique, branching, covered with brown scales. Leaves 8-45 cm, persistent, densely tufted, 2-3-pinnatisect; blade triangular to lanceolate in outline, often acuminate, shining; primary segments 8-15 on either side, mostly alternate, the upper sessile, ultimate segments oblong-lanceolate, dentate; petiole as long as or longer than blade, rigid, blackish. Sori elongated, oblong or linear; indusium with free, entire margin. March-July.