Species Common Moonwort
olive leaves, green-brown stems and yellow-brown fruits

Common Moonwort

Botrychium lunaria var. lunaria

Common Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria var. lunaria) is an evergreen fern species native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Its fronds consists of two rounded leaflets, which hang like crescents of moons on the stem. It grows in moist grasslands and meadows, and is quite hardy and tolerant of different soil types. Moonworts have become increasingly rare due to habitat loss, so they are now protected must not be picked or dug up. Under the right conditions, however, they can be easily grown in the garden. To ensure success, they must be planted in well-drained soil with high levels of humus. It is best to cultivate Common Moonwort in full sun or semi-shade.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Stem Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Common Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria var. lunaria) should be watered regularly. It is best to water this plant when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil appears dry. If the plant is in a pot, it should be checked every few days, and if in the ground, it should be checked weekly watering deeply. It is important to make sure not to over water or the plants can suffer from root rot. Fertilizing can be applied every couple of weeks in the growing season to help ensure their health.

sunlight

Common Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria var. lunaria) should be grown in an area receiving full sunlight during the morning and mid-day hours. The plant should receive no more than 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. It is particularly sought out for its decorative variegated foliage and will need sunlight to maintain its vibrant foliage and flowering potential. It should not be placed in direct hot afternoon sunlight, as it will burn the foliage.

pruning

Common Moonwort should be pruned when it enters its dormant phase in the winter, usually from late October to mid December. As the foliage begins to yellow, the plant can be trimmed and cut back. To prune, shears or pruning scissors may be used to cut the stems and leaves about 2-3 inches from the ground. The amount of pruning that is done to the Common Moonwort will depend on the size of the plant and the desired shape that you would like to keep. If pruning more than a third of the plant, or if you are pruning a large plant, it is best to do the pruning over a couple of days to prevent any shock or stress.