Rhizome short, 4-5 mm wide, branching. Fronds tufted, erect or arching, to 45 cm long. Blade divided 2-3 times. Segments with pointed tips. Sori dark coloured; indusium hooded (syn. C. filix-fragilis).

This is the commonly cultivated bladder fern and not to be confused with the native C. tasmanica Hook. from Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand which is smaller with less divided fronds and rarely cultivated.

Will tolerate cool conditions.

Mostly Northern Temperate. Naturalised in parts of New Zealand.

Source: Spencer, R. (1995). Athyriaceae. 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.