The triangular-shaped fronds are a delicate network of cobwebby tatting edged in demurely flared tips. When I first encountered this form in cultivation in the Pacific Northwest one hobby grower insisted on calling it 'Grandiceps' even though there was no large apical divided apex (it lacks cresting typical of 'Grandiceps' cultivars). In fact the apex of this form is very often not crested or if it is only slightly. The epithet “'lepidota' refers to the numerous dark brown scales prominently lapping the stipe and rachis. This fern does not come reliably from spores so there are many incorrectly labeled variants of this being sold commercially. Spore grown plants may revert to normal dilatata lines or along crested lines. True 'Lepidota Cristata' is much smaller than forms that revert back to the species dilatata.

Frond Condition: Evergreen
Mature Height: 12-18" (1-1.5')
Origin: England
Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist
USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9