SafePlants

Winter Grapefern (Botrychium lunarioides)

The Winter Grapefern, scientifically known as Botrychium lunarioides, is a fascinating member of the fern family. This page provides information on its classification, distribution, characteristics, and more.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The plant produces sporangia, referred to as the "grapes" of the Grape Fern, which are small structures.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Botrychium lunarioides (Michx.) Sw.
• Common Names: Winter grapefern, prostrate grapefern
• Family: Ophioglossaceae
• Genus: Botrychium Sw.
• Synonyms: Botrypus lunarioides Michaux
• Other Species Mentioned:
  • Botrychium matricariifolium (Dll) A. Braun ex W.D.J. Koch (daisy-leaved moonwort, matricary grapefern)
  • Botrychium dissectum (Cutleaf Grapefern)
  • Botrychium biternatum (Southern Grape Fern, sparselobe grapefern)
  • Botrychium japonicum
  • Botrychium ternatum
  • Botrychium oneidense (blunt-lobe grape-fern)
  • Botrychium lanceolatum angustisegmentum (lanceleaf grapefern)

Distribution and Habitat

• The Winter Grapefern is present in North America.
• It is often abundant in older cemeteries, particularly in areas with low-growing grass like centipede grass, or in areas with bare soil.
• It has been observed in Choctaw County, Oklahoma, and Escambia County, Florida.
• Also observed in the Geyser Basin or near water sources in the Teton area.

Morphological Characteristics

• The sterile leaf is evergreen and produced during the spring or fall, persisting through the winter.
• The sterile leaf can grow up to 6 inches long and 6 inches across, with a broadly deltate shape.
• Trophophore stalk 0.1--1 cm blades usually pale green, plane.
• The plant is a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that isn't a grass.
• Leaves are present over winter.