Species Mingan Moonwort
lime leaves, stems with brown-orange fruits

Mingan Moonwort

Botrychium minganense

Mingan Moonwort (Botrychium minganense) is a lesser-known species of fern distributed mainly in eastern Canada and northeastern America. It is a small, delicate plant that grows up to 15 cm in height and has finely divided fronds with small, kidney shaped leaflets that are dark green in color. Its reproductive spores require a specific habitat with stable temperatures and humid summers. Mingan Moonwort is relatively easy to spot due to its fan-like shape and showy yellow-green leaflets. The species is categorized as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to its limited distribution and low abundance.

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

part shade,full shade

Soil:

Sand

Growth Rate:

Low

watering

Mingan Moonwort requires moist soil for optimal growth and should be watered 2-3 times a week in the summer and once a week in the winter. When watering, allow the soil to get wet but not soggy, and always make sure the water can drain away to prevent issues with fungal diseases and root rot. In addition to regular watering, misting the leaves with water occasionally can help increase air circulation around the plants and helps reduce the occurrence of pests and disease.

sunlight

Mingan Moonwort is a shade-tolerant plant that prefers partial to full shade environments. It can handle direct sunlight, but only in the early mornings or late afternoons. Depending on the season and location, direct sunlight at these times can range from 4-8 hours per day. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch, so it's important to ensure the plant is in a spot that is not subject to intense sun for too long.

pruning

Mingan Moonwort should be pruned in late summer or during mid-fall, by cutting off its older stems at ground level. This will prevent overcrowding of the plant, as well as promote new growth and blooming during the next growing season. Pruning should be kept to a minimum, as excessive pruning can cause the plant to stop flowering. No more than 1-third of the total plant should be removed during a single pruning session.