Woodwardia consists of sturdy rhizomatous ferns characterized by either deciduous or evergreen fronds that are pinnate to bipinnate. The undersides of the fronds feature spores arranged in linear patterns.

Woodwardia

Woodwardia areolata

Woodwardia blechnoides

Woodwardia fimbriata is an evergreen fern that can grow as tall as 1.5 meters. It features upright, dark green fronds that are lance-shaped and divided twice.

Woodwardia fimbriata

Woodwardia from Emei Shan, China

Woodwardia japonica

Woodwardia martinezii

Woodwardia orientalis is an evergreen fern that can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters and spread to about 2 meters in width. Its large, arching fronds are divided, creating a lush appearance. Young fronds appear in shades of red to coppery orange, transitioning to a glossy green as they mature. The upper surface of the fronds develops small plantlets, contributing to the fern's reproductive strategy.

Woodwardia orientalis

Woodwardia orientalis var. formosana is a robust fern known for its arching growth, capable of spreading up to 3 meters across. The fronds are bipinnately divided and can extend up to 2 meters long. Young fronds typically display a range of colors, often starting as orange-red before transitioning to a glossy green. The upper surfaces of the fronds produce numerous small plantlets.

Woodwardia orientalis var. formosana

Woodwardia prolifera is a clump-forming fern that remains evergreen to semi-evergreen. Mature plants can produce fronds that extend up to 2 meters in length, with the leaflets (pinnae) displaying a distinctly narrow shape. The young fronds exhibit a range of colors, typically appearing in shades of green but also frequently showcasing vibrant carmine or orange hues. During late summer and early autumn, small plantlets may develop on the upper surfaces of the mature fronds.

Woodwardia prolifera

Woodwardia radicans is a hardy evergreen fern characterized by its arching, oval-shaped fronds that can reach lengths of up to 1.5 meters. The fronds are bipinnately divided and produce bulbils on the undersides near their tips.

Woodwardia radicans

Woodwardia radicans 'Brownii'

Woodwardia spinulosa

Woodwardia unigemmata is a vigorous, evergreen fern characterized by its arching fronds, which are bipinnately divided and can reach lengths of up to 1.5 meters. The fronds produce bulbils on their undersides near the tips. As they develop, the young fronds start off red, transitioning to a rusty brown before maturing to green.