Species Western Moonwort

Western Moonwort

Botrychium hesperium

Also Known As - Grapefern
Western Moonwort (Botrychium hesperium) is a species of fern native to Western North America. It grows to about 7 inches in height with several light-green, divided fronds per stem. The short, erect rhizomes are covered in brown scales. Its pale yellow to pinkish spore-producing sporangia appear in early summer and are arranged in a fan-shape along the margins of the leaflets. The stems and foliage of this small plant are prone to drying out under drought conditions. Western Moonwort prefers moist, shaded areas near rivers and streams and is a popular choice for shady gardens.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Spore Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Partial Shade

Soil:

Sand, Loam

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

watering

Western Moonwort (Botrychium hesperium) requires medium to dry soil that is well-drained with a slightly acidic balance. It should be watered regularly, but not too often - about once per week should suffice. During warmer months, you can water a bit more frequently (every 5-7 days). When watering, use either rainwater or distilled water, as tap water tends to have too much chlorine. In the winter, cut back on watering just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely. Be careful not to over water as this can lead to rotting.

sunlight

Western Moonwort (Botrychium hesperium) is a plant species that does best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade and a variety of soils. This species has a preference for moist, cool, and well-drained soils and does not thrive in soils that are dry or overly wet. Western Moonwort can grow in full sun, partial shade, and in the shade of deciduous trees and shrubs. In areas where this plant is grown, it should receive at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. During the peak of summer, however, it is best to provide some light shade (especially during midday when the sun is strongest). Western Moonwort may also benefit from supplemental light when grown indoors or in low-light areas. An artificial light source placed on a timer can provide the additional light the plant needs to stay healthy and vigorous. Make sure the light source is positioned so that it is not too close to the plant and that it is not left on continuously as this can cause leaf burn.

pruning

Western Moonwort (Botrychium hesperium) should be pruned early in the spring, after the last frost passes but before the fronds begin to unfurl. Pruning should be light, as the fronds are easily damaged and the plant is slow to regrow. Remove any dead or damaged fronds, as well as any fronds that cross over on each other; these can cause damage to the plant as the fronds unfurl. Pruning should be limited to no more than 1-third of the fronds, and should focus on the damaged or overcrowded parts of the plant. Western Moonwort is not a heavy feeder, and so additional fertilizer or nutrient supplementation is typically unnecessary.