Slow-growing, large terrestrial ferns that generally grow naturally near permanent water; they are long-lived and suitable for moist areas. Rhizome thin and wiry, branching to form clumps. Sterile and fertile fronds different, some entirely sterile, others partly fertile. Fronds divided 1 or 2 times, generally pinkish and downy at first, deciduous; veins free. Fertile fronds with spike-like heads. Sporangia opening by a lengthwise slit but not arranged into sori. Indusia absent.

10-15 species, cosmopolitan.

Spores or division.

Fertile fronds with spike-like heads.

Source: Spencer, R. (1995). Osmundaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 1, Ferns, conifers & their allies. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.