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Botrychium lunaria - (L.)Sw.

Common Name Common Moonwort
Family Ophioglossaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry grassland and rock ledges[17], usually on peaty soils[4].
Range Widely distributed in arctic and temperate zones of Europe, Asia and Australasia.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Botrychium lunaria Common Moonwort


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illustration_Ophioglossum_vulgatum0.jpg
Botrychium lunaria Common Moonwort
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Abalg

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of fern
Botrychium lunaria is a FERN growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. The seeds ripen from June to August.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Meadow; East Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Dysentery

Moonwort has a long reputation as a vulnerary herb, the leaves are used externally as an ointment or taken internally[4, 240]. They are also used in the treatment of ruptures and dysentery[240].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a moist free-draining soil[1]. The prothalli (small plants formed when the spores germinate) of this species form a symbiotic relationship with a mycorrhizal fungus in much the same way as orchid seedlings[200]. Plants can be hard to establish, they can be naturalized in a meadow or cultivated in the border where they should be left undisturbed[200]. Unlike most species of ferns, the fronds of this species grow up straight and not curled inward, crozier fashion[4]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Spores - best surface sown as soon as they are ripe in a greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. Placing the pot in a plastic bag helps to maintain a humid atmosphere which promotes germination and growth. Prick out small clumps into pots when they are large enough to handle and keep moist until established. Grow on in a greenhouse for at least the first winter and plant out in late spring. Division. It is best not to try and disturb this plant[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Botrychium virginianumRattlesnake FernFern0.4 -  LMSNM12 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)Sw.

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

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Subject : Botrychium lunaria  
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