SafePlants

Mountain Moonwort (Botrychium montanum)

Mountain Moonwort, scientifically known as Botrychium montanum, is also commonly referred to as Western Goblin. It's a small, herbaceous plant belonging to the fern family.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• This plant is herbaceous, implying it's non-woody and potentially more fragile, making it susceptible to damage from handling.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Botrychium montanum W.H. Wagner
• Common Names: Mountain Moonwort, Western Goblin
• Family: Ophioglossaceae
• Synonyms: Mentions exist of previous classification as a subspecies, though later determined to be a distinct species.

Distribution and Habitat

• Primarily found in western North America, specifically mentioned in western Montana, the Rocky Mountains, and east of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon and Washington.
• Observed in the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains.
• Can thrive in acidic sandstone environments.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Described as a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• Leaf height is recorded as technically 8.7 cm (ranging from 4-12.5 cm).
• Characterized as herbaceous and glaucous.

Genetic Information

• Ploidy: Diploid, indicating it has two sets of chromosomes.

Ecological Role

• Information suggests a relationship to fire ecology.

Quirky Facts

• In the Middle Ages, moonwort was used as a remedy for abscesses and wounds.

Further Information

• FEIS species reviews are mentioned as a source of information.