W. scopulina is a small to medium sized fern, 10-30 centimeters high, which grows in mesic to dry rock crevices.

[3][4] Physematium scopulinum has twice pinnate fronds arising from a short scaly rhizome.

The pinnae and rachis are sparsely to moderately covered with long hairs that protrude sharply (not appressed to stem), some with a globular gland at the tip.

Small round sori on the underside of pinnae are initially partly covered with a narrowly lobed indusium.

[5] Physematium scopulinum is widespread in mountains near the west coast of North America from southern Alaska to southern California, and in the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia to Colorado.