Typically grows to 2’ tall and features lacy, narrow-triangular, yellowish green fronds (to 30” long.)
Fronds turn yellow in fall. When brushed with a hand, crushed or bruised, the fronds of hay-scented fern release a fragrance reminiscent of fresh mown hay. This is a deciduous fern that is native to open woods and wooded banks in the eastern and midwestern United States.