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common moonwort

Scientific Name: Botrychium lunaria

Family: Ophioglossaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: ME (moonwort), MN (common moonwort), NY (moonwort)

       

Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria)

Botrychium lunaria, commonly known as moonwort or common moonwort, is a small, perennial fern recognized for its distinctive leaflets shaped like half-moons.

Considerations for Pets

  • The provided text mentions capsules attached at the base of the plant.
  • The text also mentions small parts, given the plant's typical height of around 4 inches.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Botrychium lunaria (L.) Sw.
  • Common Names: Moonwort, Common Moonwort, Moonwort Grapefern
  • Family: Ophioglossaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Osmunda lunaria L.
    • Ophioglossum pennatum Lam.
    • Botrychium pallidum W.H.Wagner
    • Botrychium matricariifolium subsp. hesperium Maxon & Clausen
    • B. X hesperium (Maxon & Clausen)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Botrychium lunaria is the most widely distributed moonwort species.
  • It occurs across boreal North America, northern Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia.
  • It is found in dry grasslands and rock ledges.
  • In New England, it is considered rare, with scattered populations in white cedar forests and swamps.
  • Can be found scattered around the Czech Republic.
  • Found in southwest Iceland.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Moonwort is a small, perennial fern, typically less than 4 inches tall, although it can occasionally reach larger sizes.
  • It has leaflets shaped like a half-moon, which gives it its common name.
  • It usually grows a single leaf, which can reach up to 20 cm in height.
  • Young plants can evolve in pits at the foot of the adult plant.
  • The plant possesses a single aboveground frond that is dark-green in color and typically about 4 inches long.
  • It is a rhizomatous fern.

Quirky Facts

  • Botrychium lunaria was named by Carl Linnaeus for the pinnae, which have a crescent moon shape.

Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) - Provides help and information on Botrychium lunaria.
  • Dave's Garden - A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens.
  • Wikimedia Commons - Contains media related to Botrychium lunaria.