Rough sword fern is a lush fern with long, arching fronds covered with small, delicate leaflets. Its leaflets are finely toothed, contributing to a feathery appearance. The underside of each frond exhibits sporangia that appear as round sori, crucial for reproduction. Rough sword fern thrives in moist, shaded environments, where its dense, green foliage can form extensive clusters, enhancing ground cover and forest diversity.