Cystopteris laurentiana is similar to C. bulbifera, but differs in having only sparse glandular hairs on the blades, bulblets are rare or absent and the stipe is not red in young fronds. It is believed to have arisen as a hybrid of C. bulbifera and C. fragilis.

C. laurentiana has a very restricted distribution in North America. It occurs chiefly in the western Great lakes area and in scattered locations in the northeastern U.S. and Canada. It is most common on limestone cliffs. It is very local in Wisconsin, known mainly from Door County and the Lake Superior region. It is listed as a "special concern" species.