Larger tree ferns in the genus Cibotium were formerly included in Dicksoniaceae, but are now segregated as the family Cibotiaceae.

Species in the family are generally characterized by large pinnate fronds, 1–4 m long.

Lophosoria is known from fossil spores and leaf fragments from South America dating to the Aptian.

[4] The widespread Jurassic-Cretaceous herbaceous fern genus Coniopteris has historically been assigned to this family, but cladistic analysis suggests that it is more closely related to the Polypodiales.

[4] Calochlaena Lophosoria Dicksonia Only three extant genera are recognised in this monophyletic family:[6]