Woodwardia spinulosa, commonly known as Mexican Chain Fern, is a semi-evergreen fern native to moist, shaded forest floors and ravines in regions ranging from Mexico to Central America. It can reach a height of 4-10 feet (1.2-3 meters) and a width of 0.3-1 feet (0.09-0.3 meters), with a graceful, arching habit. The fronds are long and pinnate, with a glossy green appearance, and the plant is known for its distinctive chain-like pattern of sori on the underside of the fronds.

Mexican Chain Fern is valued for its lush, tropical appearance and its ability to thrive in shady, moist conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as an understory plant in larger landscapes. It requires consistently moist soil and does not tolerate drought well. While it prefers full shade, it can tolerate some dappled sunlight. This fern is relatively low-maintenance, but gardeners should be vigilant for slug and snail damage. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but care should be taken to ensure it does not escape cultivation in suitable climates.CC BY-SA 4.0