 This anemone is similar in appearance to the common brooding anemone "(Epiactis prolifera)", especially when contracted, but that species often has juveniles adhering to the outside of the column while the Fernald brooding anemone broods its young internally.The other related species found in the same areas have white radiating lines on the oral disc and striations on the column while Fernald's anemone lacks both of these.The species is known only from the Barkley Sound in British Columbia, Canada, and the San Juan Islands in Washington State, United States.