It bears linear[1] or linear-ligulate (straplike)[2] scales 4 to 5 millimeters (0.2 to 0.2 in) long, long-acuminate at the tip,[2] somewhat twisted, of a uniform orange-brown[1] or reddish-brown color,[2] with entire (toothless) margins.

[1][2] Of this length, about two-thirds is made up by the stipe (the stalk of the leaf, below the blade), which is shiny and round, hairless, and black in color.

[2] The rachis (leaf axis) is round (rather than flattened) straight, and hairless,[1] and is similar to the stipe in color.

[2] These are divided into pinnules, which are orbicular (circular) or slightly oblong to nearly cordate (heart-shaped), without a clear joint at the stalk; they are widely separated from one another.

[1] The leaf tissue is gray-green in color, leafy or slightly leathery in texture, and lacks hairs.

It was named in honor of Carl Sofus Lumholtz, as the type material was collected in Sonora on his expedition to Mexico.

[9] In 2018, Maarten J. M. Christenhusz transferred the species to Hemionitis as H. lumholtzii, as part of a program to consolidate the cheilanthoid ferns into that genus.