Maidenhair fern is distinctive and easy to recognize. The very dark-colored rachis is divided into two equal branches, the ultimate segments are attached by narrow stalks and the elongate sori are attached to the undersurface of the false indusium. The blade is oriented more or less horizontally in living plants and plants may form large and conspicuous populations suggesting clonal growth.

Maidenhair fern is common throughout Wisconsin and ranges broadly in the eastern United States. The preferred habitat is deciduous forest.