The large and showy, glossy-green fronds identify this fern.

Individual fronds live for one and one-half to two and one-half years and remain attached after later withering.

The under-story of moist coniferous forests at low elevations is the favored habitat for this Polystichum munitum.

The frond is composed of single pinnates (leaflets), with the pinnate alternating along the stalk. Each pinnate is 1/2 to 6 inches (1 to 15 cm) long, with a small upward-pointing lobe at the base. The edges are serrated with bristly tips.

New fronds emerge from the top center and spread to shade the lower, older fronds. Eventually the lower fronds die and wither but remain attached to the plant.

The Polystichum munitum is described as a bright green shiny plant with rust colored base. The rust underside comes from the dead fronds that have withered on the base.

Polystichum munitum is a favored plant in western North American gardens. But has been found to be very difficult to grow in the eastern part of the continent.