Botrychium lunaria

RHS Plant Profile
moonwort

Other common names

common moonwort, grape fern, lunary, moon fern, plantage, unshoe-the-horse

Ferns

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

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ophioglossaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
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