Cristata golden scaled male fern is also called 'Cristata the King.' It is derived from an evergreen fern native to the moist woodlands of eastern Europe and western Asia. It grows into a classic shuttlecock fern form and has light green fronds that mature into a darker green. The tall arching fronds have leaflet edges that are divided and are crested or even frilly in appearance. This fern grows to about 3 feet tall and wide.

This plant is best suited to moist shady areas as either an understory plant or a bedding plant and also makes a showy specimen. It is evergreen in less severe parts of its range and benefits from winter protection in more northerly areas. Prune back dead fronds in spring to encourage new growth.