Stabler's golden-scaled male fern is derived from a naturally occurring hybrid found in the damp rocky woodlands across the northern Us, Europe and Asia. It has bright green fronds with crested edges and golden-brown hairs on the stems. Overall the plant can grow to 3 feet in height and about 3 feet wide. It prefers shady moist conditions and in milder parts of its range it is evergreen.

This fern is suitable as an understory plant or a shady border and its strong vertical growth and very attractive appearance makes it a desirable specimen plant. Any dead frond can be removed in spring to enhance both new growth and appearance.