Leaves grow in close masses from creeping rhizomes. Roots, other than rhizomes, occur as few, elongate, slender fibers. Plants often remain sterile until a disturbance such as fire or beaver activity stimulates fertility. Chain-fern grows in low, wet areas. Though found in the open, it thrives in partial shade around the bases of trees or among cypress knees.
Soils are generally acidic sands, clays, and peat.
In the New Jersey Pine Barrens, chain-fern occurs in the second stage of succession following cutting or burning of cedar swamps. Chain-fern fronds grow from the end of February to the end of October, when leaf drop occurs.