Search Plants
Try for Free
English
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Moonworts (Botrychium)
Moonworts is a genus of ferns, seedless vascular plants in the family Ophioglossaceae. They are small, with fleshy roots, and reproduce by spores shed into the air. One part of the leaf, the trophophore, is sterile and fernlike; the other, the sporophore, is fertile and carries the clusters of sporangia or spore cases. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Moonworts
Feedback
Attributes of Moonworts
Leaf type
Deciduous
Scientific Classification of Moonworts
Distribution of Moonworts
Feedback
Distribution Map of Moonworts
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Moonworts
Feedback
Moonworts are relatively low-maintenance, shade-dwelling ferns. They thrive in dappled light and prefer consistently moist, well-draining, rich, and acidic soil. Overwatering can be a common challenge, leading to root rot. Pests are not a significant problem, but they can occasionally suffer from fungal diseases. Seasonally, protective mulching in winter helps, while reducing watering in dormant periods is key. Care adjustments are minimal but essential for moonworts's success.
How to Water Moonworts?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Moonworts?
How to Propagate Moonworts?
How to Plant Moonworts?
Exploring the Moonworts Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Common moonwort
With its circumpolar distribution, the common moonwort is very common and the most widespread of all moonworts, though it's still very rare in some localities. This small fern dies back before autumn and may not reoccur in the same location for several years. It symbiotically associates with soil fungi in order to survive.
Chamomile grape-fern
Chamomile grape-fern is an odd-looking, fleshy-leafed fern that grows in cooler temperate forests. It is commonly called "grape fern" thanks to its clusters of grape-like spores, and has leaves that resemble those of the chamomile plant. It is part of an unusual group of ferns known as moonworts.
Iowa moonwort
Iowa moonwort is a petite, perennial fern that thrives in open, grassy habitats. It possesses a distinctive, spore-bearing frond rising from a clump of triangular, dissected sterile leaves. The frond's structure allows efficient spore dispersal, crucial for reproduction in its meadow environment. Its underground rhizome aids survival, making iowa moonwort resilient despite its delicate appearance.
Mingan moonwort
The leaf is up to 10 centimeters tall and is divided into a sterile and a fertile part. The sterile part of the leaf has fan-shaped or spoon-shaped leaflets. The fertile part of the leaf is very different in shape, with grapelike clusters of sporangia by which it reproduces.
Little grapefern
Botrychium simplex, the little grapefern, is a species of fern in the family Ophioglossaceae that is native to North America. It is a perennial.
Lanceleaf grapefern
Lanceleaf grapefern is a diminutive, shade-loving fern with a distinctive, lance-shaped frond that unfurls from a solitary stalk, giving it a very streamlined appearance. Preferring the damp, understory of forests, it has a bifurcated, delicate growth with one part sterile and the other fertile, bearing spores. Its subtle charm lies in its simplicity and the grace with which it adapts to the cool, mossy floor it calls home.
Scalloped moonwort
Scalloped moonwort is a petite fern with delicate, lacelike foliage. Each fern typically showcases a singular frond divided into a sterile, leaf-like segment and a fertile, spore-bearing segment. Adapting to high-elevation woodland settings, scalloped moonwort thrives in moist, well-drained soil, shaded under the protective canopy of taller plants. Its crenulated ('scalloped') edges give scalloped moonwort its distinctive name and aid in identification.
Tailed grapefern
Tailed grapefern, with its feathery, fan-shaped fronds, stands out in the understory of wet woodlands and marshes. Its divided leaves typically showcase a graceful, pointed tip, which gives this fern a delicate, lace-like appearance. The plant favors a moist environment, where it nurtures symbiotic relationships with underground fungi to thrive amidst the dense plant competition.
All Species of Moonworts
Common moonwort
Common moonwort
With its circumpolar distribution, the common moonwort is very common and the most widespread of all moonworts, though it's still very rare in some localities. This small fern dies back before autumn and may not reoccur in the same location for several years. It symbiotically associates with soil fungi in order to survive.
Chamomile grape-fern
Chamomile grape-fern
Chamomile grape-fern is an odd-looking, fleshy-leafed fern that grows in cooler temperate forests. It is commonly called "grape fern" thanks to its clusters of grape-like spores, and has leaves that resemble those of the chamomile plant. It is part of an unusual group of ferns known as moonworts.
Iowa moonwort
Iowa moonwort
Iowa moonwort is a petite, perennial fern that thrives in open, grassy habitats. It possesses a distinctive, spore-bearing frond rising from a clump of triangular, dissected sterile leaves. The frond's structure allows efficient spore dispersal, crucial for reproduction in its meadow environment. Its underground rhizome aids survival, making iowa moonwort resilient despite its delicate appearance.
Mingan moonwort
Mingan moonwort
The leaf is up to 10 centimeters tall and is divided into a sterile and a fertile part. The sterile part of the leaf has fan-shaped or spoon-shaped leaflets. The fertile part of the leaf is very different in shape, with grapelike clusters of sporangia by which it reproduces.
Little grapefern
Little grapefern
Botrychium simplex, the little grapefern, is a species of fern in the family Ophioglossaceae that is native to North America. It is a perennial.
Lanceleaf grapefern
Lanceleaf grapefern
Lanceleaf grapefern is a diminutive, shade-loving fern with a distinctive, lance-shaped frond that unfurls from a solitary stalk, giving it a very streamlined appearance. Preferring the damp, understory of forests, it has a bifurcated, delicate growth with one part sterile and the other fertile, bearing spores. Its subtle charm lies in its simplicity and the grace with which it adapts to the cool, mossy floor it calls home.
Scalloped moonwort
Scalloped moonwort
Scalloped moonwort is a petite fern with delicate, lacelike foliage. Each fern typically showcases a singular frond divided into a sterile, leaf-like segment and a fertile, spore-bearing segment. Adapting to high-elevation woodland settings, scalloped moonwort thrives in moist, well-drained soil, shaded under the protective canopy of taller plants. Its crenulated ('scalloped') edges give scalloped moonwort its distinctive name and aid in identification.
Tailed grapefern
Tailed grapefern
Tailed grapefern, with its feathery, fan-shaped fronds, stands out in the understory of wet woodlands and marshes. Its divided leaves typically showcase a graceful, pointed tip, which gives this fern a delicate, lace-like appearance. The plant favors a moist environment, where it nurtures symbiotic relationships with underground fungi to thrive amidst the dense plant competition.
Northern moonwort
Northern moonwort
Northern moonwort is a fern with a distinctive divided leaf pattern resembling delicate, fine lacework. Its fronds are typically bifurcated, giving them a feather-like appearance. The plant thrives in moist, shaded woodland environments, which contribute to its lush, green appearance. Northern moonwort has a secretive growth habit, often nestled among other understory vegetation, which may protect it from the harshness of direct sunlight and aid in the retention of soil moisture, critical for its survival.
Michigan moonwort
Michigan moonwort
Michigan moonwort is a rare fern with a distinctively divided leaf structure. The fertile fronds rise from the center, bearing spore-producing structures, while the sterile fronds spread outward, resembling lacy fans or clustered leaves. Thriving in moist, shaded woodlands, michigan moonwort's presence often indicates a rich, undisturbed habitat. Its growth pattern reflects a delicate balance with its ecosystem, where it quietly contributes to the area's biodiversity.
Pale botrychium
Pale botrychium
Pale botrychium is a delicate fern with pale green, triangular fronds containing segmented leaflets, which lend it a lacy appearance. It is distinguished by its stalked, spore-bearing structures nestled among the leaflets, critical for its reproduction. Typically found in moist, shaded habitats, pale botrychium flourishes in rich, well-draining soil, subtly reflecting its reliance on a stable, nurturing environment to thrive.
Botrychium lanceolatum subsp. angustisegmentum
Botrychium lanceolatum subsp. angustisegmentum
Botrychium lanceolatum subsp. angustisegmentum is a delicate fern with slender, lance-shaped fronds. This subspecies is characterized by its narrow segments, giving it a refined appearance. Thriving in shady, moist environments, botrychium lanceolatum subsp. angustisegmentum often grows among leaf litter in forest understories. Its distinctively segmented fronds help it to maximize light capture, vital for its growth in dappled woodland habitats.
American moonwort
American moonwort
American moonwort is a distinct fern with a delicate, fractal-like appearance. It has a singular, upright frond, which is divided into a sterile, leafy part and a spore-producing fertile segment. Thriving in shaded, damp conditions, american moonwort often forms symbiotic relationships with fungi, essential for nutrient absorption in its chosen woodland floors or mossy habitats. Its rarity and intricate leaf patterns make it a unique species, often sought after by fern enthusiasts.
Alaska moonwort
Alaska moonwort
Alaska moonwort is a rare fern with a delicate, bipartite frond—half fertile, half sterile—emerging from a short, underground stem. It thrives in cool, alpine environments, its growth benefited by moist, well-drained soils. Alaska moonwort's distinctive reproductive structure sets it apart, marking its presence subtly amidst the hardy mountain flora.
Mountain moonwort
Mountain moonwort
Mountain moonwort, a fern found in forest clearings and mountain habitats, thrives in well-drained soils. Its fronds are bipartite, with sterile leafy parts and fertile spore-producing segments. This duality gives mountain moonwort a delicate, feathery appearance, making it an elegant yet understated addition to its ecosystem. Its rarity and distinctive frond division make it noteworthy.
Spathulate botrychium
Spathulate botrychium
Spathulate botrychium features a singular, lobed frond unique to each specimen, resembling an artist's intricate spade design. This frond, along with a separate spindly fertile stalk, unfolds from an underground rhizome. Adapting to shady forest floors, spathulate botrychium thrives in moist, rich soils, where its delicate form benefits from the diffused light.
Crater lake grapefern
Crater lake grapefern
Crater lake grapefern is a petite, perennial fern with a delicate appearance. Its fiddleheads unfurl into triangular, segmented fronds, often telling of its volcanic soil home. This unique habitat endows crater lake grapefern with the resilience to thrive amidst rugged terrain, hinting at its adaptability and specialized ecological niche.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Moonworts
Botrychium
Moonworts is a genus of ferns, seedless vascular plants in the family Ophioglossaceae. They are small, with fleshy roots, and reproduce by spores shed into the air. One part of the leaf, the trophophore, is sterile and fernlike; the other, the sporophore, is fertile and carries the clusters of sporangia or spore cases.
Lifespan
Perennial
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Key Facts About Moonworts
Feedback
Attributes of Moonworts
Leaf type
Deciduous
Scientific Classification of Moonworts
Distribution of Moonworts
Feedback
Distribution Map of Moonworts
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Moonworts
Feedback
Moonworts are relatively low-maintenance, shade-dwelling ferns. They thrive in dappled light and prefer consistently moist, well-draining, rich, and acidic soil. Overwatering can be a common challenge, leading to root rot. Pests are not a significant problem, but they can occasionally suffer from fungal diseases. Seasonally, protective mulching in winter helps, while reducing watering in dormant periods is key. Care adjustments are minimal but essential for moonworts's success.
How to Water Moonworts?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Moonworts?
How to Propagate Moonworts?
How to Plant Moonworts?
Exploring the Moonworts Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Common moonwort
With its circumpolar distribution, the common moonwort is very common and the most widespread of all moonworts, though it's still very rare in some localities. This small fern dies back before autumn and may not reoccur in the same location for several years. It symbiotically associates with soil fungi in order to survive.
Chamomile grape-fern
Chamomile grape-fern is an odd-looking, fleshy-leafed fern that grows in cooler temperate forests. It is commonly called "grape fern" thanks to its clusters of grape-like spores, and has leaves that resemble those of the chamomile plant. It is part of an unusual group of ferns known as moonworts.
Iowa moonwort
Iowa moonwort is a petite, perennial fern that thrives in open, grassy habitats. It possesses a distinctive, spore-bearing frond rising from a clump of triangular, dissected sterile leaves. The frond's structure allows efficient spore dispersal, crucial for reproduction in its meadow environment. Its underground rhizome aids survival, making iowa moonwort resilient despite its delicate appearance.
Mingan moonwort
The leaf is up to 10 centimeters tall and is divided into a sterile and a fertile part. The sterile part of the leaf has fan-shaped or spoon-shaped leaflets. The fertile part of the leaf is very different in shape, with grapelike clusters of sporangia by which it reproduces.
Show More Species
All Species of Moonworts
Common moonwort
Chamomile grape-fern
Iowa moonwort
Mingan moonwort
Little grapefern
Lanceleaf grapefern
Scalloped moonwort
Tailed grapefern
Northern moonwort
Michigan moonwort
Pale botrychium
Botrychium lanceolatum subsp. angustisegmentum
American moonwort
Alaska moonwort
Mountain moonwort
Spathulate botrychium
Crater lake grapefern
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
