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Description
Botrychium Lunaria, commonly known as Moonwort or Common Moonwort, is a perennial fern that belongs to the Ophioglossaceae family. It is known for its unique leaf shape, which resembles a crescent moon. The fern is native to North America and can be found in moist and shady areas such as deciduous forests, wet meadows and along stream banks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Ophioglossopsida |
| Order | Ophioglossales |
| Family | Ophioglossaceae |
| Genus | Botrychium |
Appearance
The Botrychium Lunaria fern has a unique appearance, with a distinct moon-shaped leaf that ranges from 1 to 8 cm in width. The leaf is green, smooth, and lacks any fronds. The fern also has a single thin stem that ranges from 5 to 35 cm in length.
Care Guide
To care for Botrychium Lunaria ferns, it is important to provide them with the right growing conditions. These ferns prefer moist and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every month during the growing season, and watered regularly to ensure that the soil remains moist.Moonwort ferns prefer partial to full shade, and can tolerate temperatures between 0°C and 30°C. They are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Botrychium Lunaria ferns are relatively pest and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, it is important to keep the soil well-drained and to avoid overwatering the ferns.
Habitat
Botrychium Lunaria ferns are native to North America, and can be found in moist and shady areas such as deciduous forests, wet meadows and along stream banks. They are often found growing in association with other ferns and woodland wildflowers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Botrychium Lunaria a rare plant?
A: Botrychium Lunaria is not considered a rare plant, but it is important to protect its habitat from destruction and pollution.
Q: Can Botrychium Lunaria grow in full sun?
A: Botrychium Lunaria prefers partial to full shade, and can suffer from leaf burn if grown in full sun.
Q: Can Botrychium Lunaria be grown indoors?
A: Botrychium Lunaria is not well-suited for indoor growing, as it requires moist and well-drained soil, as well as partial to full shade.
Q: Can Botrychium Lunaria be propagated from spores?
A: Yes, Botrychium Lunaria can be propagated from spores, but it can be a challenging process that requires patience and attention to detail.
Related Plants
Other ferns that are related to Botrychium Lunaria include:
- Botrychium Ascendens
- Botrychium Dissectum
- Botrychium Lunarioides
- Botrychium Oneidense
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Botrychium lunaria (L.) Sw. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=BOLU
- Flora of North America. (n.d.). Botrychium lunaria. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500066
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Botrychium lunaria. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m290
