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Description
Botrychium Pallidum, commonly known as pale moonwort, is a species of fern that belongs to the Ophioglossaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including moist forests, meadows, and rocky areas. The plant has a unique appearance with its pale green fronds that grow up to 15 cm in length. The fronds are divided into two parts, a sterile blade, and a fertile spike that bears sporangia.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Ophioglossales |
| Family | Ophioglossaceae |
| Genus | Botrychium |
| Species | Botrychium Pallidum |
Appearance
Botrychium Pallidum has a unique appearance with its pale green fronds that grow up to 15 cm in length. The fronds are divided into two parts, a sterile blade, and a fertile spike that bears sporangia. The sterile blade is triangular or diamond-shaped with a smooth margin, while the fertile spike is cylindrical with a tapered tip. The plant’s color varies from pale green to yellow-green, and the fronds emerge from underground rhizomes.
Care Guide
Botrychium Pallidum is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips to help the plant thrive:- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so it is essential to keep the soil consistently moist. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization. However, a general-purpose fertilizer can be applied once or twice a year during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, sand, and loam is ideal.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some sunlight, but direct sunlight can damage the fronds.- Hardiness Zones: Botrychium Pallidum is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Botrychium Pallidum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common issues to look out for:- Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the fronds, leaving holes in the leaves. Handpicking them off the plant or using slug bait can control them.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the fronds. Spraying the plant with a fungicide can prevent the disease from spreading.
Habitat
Botrychium Pallidum is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including moist forests, meadows, and rocky areas. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate partial shade to full shade and is hardy in zones 3-8.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Botrychium Pallidum easy to grow?
A: Yes, Botrychium Pallidum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow.
Q: What kind of soil does Botrychium Pallidum prefer?
A: Botrychium Pallidum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, sand, and loam is ideal.
Q: Can Botrychium Pallidum tolerate some sunlight?
A: Yes, Botrychium Pallidum can tolerate some sunlight, but direct sunlight can damage the fronds.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Botrychium Pallidum?
A: Botrychium Pallidum is hardy in zones 3-8.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Botrychium Pallidum:- Botrychium Dissectum- Botrychium Lunaria- Botrychium Oneidense- Botrychium Virginianum
References
– “Botrychium Pallidum.” USDA Plants Database.- “Pale moonwort.” Missouri Botanical Garden.- “Botrychium Pallidum.” Flora of North America.
