[6] At its base, it consists of an underground rhizome from which grow the fronds of the plant in a spiral-like arrangement.

Each frond consists of a stipe (stalk) that is covered in light-brown scales towards the base and short glandular hairs further up.

[5][6] The stipes generally measure between 1/4 to 1/3 the length of the frond[6] and support a leaf blade that is lance-oblong[5] in shape.

[5] Dryopteris intermedia is native to most of eastern North America, ranging from Minnesota in the north-west and Newfoundland and Labrador in the north-east, down to Alabama in the south-west and South Carolina in the south-east.

[7] Dryopteris intermedia grows in a variety of mesic habitats including forests, woodlands, ravines, swamp edges and rocky slopes.