Species Boreal Moonwort
yellow fruits with lime foliage and stems

Boreal Moonwort

Botrychium boreale

Also Known As - Northern Moonwort,Northern Grapefern
The Boreal Moonwort (Botrychium boreale) is a delicate fern-like plant native to the cool temperate climates of North America and Eurasia. Growing in a tuft of fan shaped fronds, the Boreal Moonwort ranges between 5-30 cm in height and has a cleft leaf arrangement, accentuated by its distinctive crescent-shaped sporangia. Its fertile leaflets are purple-brown in colour, while the main fronds are reddish to olive colour, covered in various scales and tiny hairs. Growing under young deciduous trees in damp, shady areas, Boreal Moonwort’s hardy nature has allowed it to survive in harsher climates for centuries.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

part shade,full shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Alaska moonwort should be watered about once every 10-14 days during the growing season, from early spring to late summer. Water deeply enough that the soil is moistened to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Water until the soil is evenly moist and then allow the top inch or so of soil to dry before watering again. Avoid frequent light waterings as this can encourage shallow root growth and may result in the plant wilting mid-day. In winter, water occasionally only when the soil is completely dry.

sunlight

Alaska Moonwort (Botrychium alaskense) grows best in bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, however, too much direct sun can burn it. The plant should receive enough light to maintain a bright green color, but not enough to cause wilting. It is best to place Alaska Moonwort in a location where it receives at least 4 hours of sunlight per day. The optimal amount of light for Alaska Moonwort is 8-10 hours per day. During the summer, it is best to provide direct sun during the early morning and late afternoon, while avoiding the harshest sunlight of the day during the mid-afternoon when temperatures are high.

pruning

Alaska Moonwort (Botrychium alaskense) should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring to promote new growth. Prune off any dead or damaged stems, as well as any that are crossing or growing too close to each other. Cut all stems back to about 3 inches in length. This will encourage the production of new leaves and stems. Deadheading faded flowers can also help promote new growth. Make sure not to prune too much, as too much cutting can stress the plant.

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