Western Moonwort

Botrychium hesperium

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Pteridophyta | - Ferns
Family:
Ophioglossaceae
Genus:
Botrychium
Species:
Botrychium hesperium
USDA Symbol:
BOHE5

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:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers undisturbed habitats with organic matter

Propagation & Germination

Notes:
As a fern, reproduces via spores requiring mycorrhizal association for gametophyte development; cultivation from spores is extremely difficult.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI