[2] It is native to much of western North America, and it is known from disjunct occurrences in eastern Canada as well.

It is widespread but mostly found in small populations, and is noted to be most abundant on serpentine soils.

[2] This fern produces several erect, narrowly lance-shaped leaves up to 50 centimeters in length.

Each leaf is divided into many lance-shaped or oblong leaflets up to 3 centimeters long.

P. scopulinum is probably a fertile allotetraploid with Polystichum munitum as one parent.