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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

Other common names
common moonwort
grape fern
see morelunary
moon fern
plantage
unshoe-the-horse
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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

Get involved

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