The name angelica alludes to the prominent ridges (wings) on the stipes of this species. 

Plants large, terrestrial. Fronds up to 60 cm long. Stipes 2-4 x longer than blade, up to 2-4 mm in diam., adaxially flattened, with conspicuous ridges (wings) on both sides of flat area on upper surface (more conspicuous on living material); scales sparse at base, with black center and lateral white stripes, tapering to hairlike tips. Blades deltate, up to 30 x 30 cm, similar to D. decipiens but much larger; rachises winged between lowest 2 pinnae. Very rare and localized fern with small scattered populations on steep slopes in mesic forests, 800-980 m, only in the Koke'e area of Kaua'i.

Doryopteris angelica, a Kaua'i fern, resembles D. decipiens but differs by its very large fronds and thick, prominently winged stipes.