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Ferns
Botrychium lunaria
moonwort
A British fern found mostly in the north and west. It produces a single, rather leathery, yellowish-green frond up to 20cm long, with fan-shaped lobes. A branched spike of small, brown, spherical sporangia (spore-bearing structures) appears in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ophioglossaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Found naturally in a range of dryish habitats including grassland, sand dunes, rock ledges and slag heaps. Needs well-drained soil, ideally in semi-shade
Propagation
Propagate by spores
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Rock garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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