[4][5] It was first described by James Edward Smith[6] and is characterized by its large fronds and arrangement of reproductive sori.

[9] Its sori are short but broad and are arranged in neat lines, the characteristic that gives the chain ferns their name.

Woodwardia fimbriata can be located along the western coast of North America from British Columbia in Canada to Baja California as well as the state of Nevada.

[25] The indigenous tribes of California used fibers obtained from Woodwardia fimbriata to add patterns into their baskets.

Fibers were obtained from the stems and dyed red using an extract from white alder before being added into baskets.

[28][29][30] There are also records of medical use of this plant for pain relief, specifically by Luiseno Indians who used extractions from the roots.