It is found in rich, dry deciduous woods in filtered light. Plant in small groupings to be noticeable. Leaves are untoothed, pale and oblong and measure 2 - 8 inches long. This fern is found on poorly-drained low ground and in thickets, wet marshy woods, swamps and stream banks. It is generally found in bogs, but it also grows on wooded hummocks in peatlands.
Fertile fronds are bright green turning to a cinnamon brown and resemble cinnamon sticks.
After several years maidenhair fern fills an area in nicely and is most attractive looking. Lady ferns thrive in a variety of locations from dry hillsides to rock ledges and near pond edges. Grows rapidly in moist situations.