It is found in woodland areas and can form spreading colonies through its brown-black scaly, trailing rhizomes. They are common in sunny patches found from gaps in the overhead canopy. This fern is a wetland indicator and can survive and outcompete other species in soil pH below 4. It makes a good addition to a woodland garden or naturalized areas filling in gaps when spring wildflowers fade and providing shelter for toads. Commonly found in mesic forests, bottomland forests, bogs, and submesic forests. [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox]