Licorice fern is distinctive in that it is most commonly an epiphyte growing on the trunks and branches of deciduous trees (usually big leaf maple). The 30-50 cm long evergreen fronds arise singly and are once-pinnate. The round sori are found in two rows on either side of the midribs of the pinnae and have no indusium. Licorice fern is common in moist forests at low elevations either epiphytic or on moist soil or rocks. It gets its common name from the licorice flavor of the rhizome.