[2][3][4][5] It is a seedless, vascular plant (with xylem and phloem) that reproduces via spores (not seeds or flowers) and have a life cycle with alternating, free-living sporophyte and gametophyte phases.

[6] Gymnocarpium dryopteris has small, delicate fronds up to 40 cm (16 inches) long, with ternately-compound pinnae (leaves).

[9][10] In cultivation in the UK this plant and the cultivar "Plumosum"[11] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

[15] Oak fern commonly occurs in moist, shady forests, with wet soil and humid conditions.

[18] This fern occurs at elevations of 1,700–4,500 ft (520–1,370 m) along moderately steep slopes with north, east and west aspects.