Sword fern fronds arise in large clumps with the erect fronds reaching 1.5 m tall. The evergreen fronds are once-pinnate, with the pinnae alternating on the stalk. Each pinna has a small upward-pointing lobe at the base. The round sori occupy two rows on either side of the midrib of each pinna and are covered by a centrally-attached, umbrella-like indusium with fringed edges. Sword fern is an abundant understory fern in moist coniferous forests at low elevations.