Perennial. Rhizome caespitose, more or less erect, branching, covered with dark brown linear-lanceolate scales. Leaves 5-30 cm, tufted, 1-pinnatifid; blade linear in outline; the segments numerous, opposite, ovate, broadly ovate or suborbicular, obtuse or rounded at apex, entire or crenate-serrate; petiole about one fourth or less as long as blade, dark reddish-brown. Sori linear; indusium entire or irregularly toothed. April-November.