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Description
Botrychium Campestre, commonly known as the field moonwort, is a small fern that belongs to the family Ophioglossaceae. It is a fascinating plant that is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, prairies, and open woodlands. The plant’s unique fronds are easily recognizable, with the fertile fronds resembling a grape cluster. The plant’s reproductive structures are also quite unique, with the spores being produced in a small, round structure known as a sporangium.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Ophioglossopsida |
| Order | Ophioglossales |
| Family | Ophioglossaceae |
| Genus | Botrychium |
Appearance
The Botrychium Campestre has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other ferns. The plant’s fronds are divided into two distinct parts: the sterile fronds and the fertile fronds. The sterile fronds are green and have a triangular shape, while the fertile fronds are brown and resemble a grape cluster. The plant’s reproductive structures are also quite unique, with the spores being produced in a small, round structure known as a sporangium. The plant grows to a height of about 6-8 inches and has a spread of about 4-6 inches.
Care Guide
Botrychium Campestre is an easy plant to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips to help you keep your plant healthy:
- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so it is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can use a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year to promote growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Botrychium Campestre is not known to be susceptible to any major pests or diseases. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can cause the roots to rot, leading to wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
Habitat
Botrychium Campestre is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, prairies, and open woodlands. The plant prefers moist soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Botrychium Campestre a perennial plant?
A: Yes, Botrychium Campestre is a perennial plant.
Q: Can Botrychium Campestre be grown indoors?
A: While it is possible to grow Botrychium Campestre indoors, the plant prefers to be grown outdoors in a natural setting.
Q: How often should I water Botrychium Campestre?
A: The plant prefers moist soil, so it is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Q: Can Botrychium Campestre be grown from seed?
A: Yes, Botrychium Campestre can be grown from spores collected from the plant’s sporangium.
Related Plants
- Botrychium Matricariifolium
- Botrychium Multifidum
- Botrychium Spp.
References
- Flora of North America: Botrychium campestre
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Botrychium campestre
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: Field Moonwort
