Iowa Moonwort

Botrychium campestre

Native to:
Canada, United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Pteridophyta | - Ferns
Family:
Ophioglossaceae
Genus:
Botrychium
Species:
Botrychium campestre
USDA Symbol:
BOCA5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
15 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Prefers open, sunny grasslands and prairies.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days; germination is slow and may take several months.