Species Stalked Moonwort
brown sporangia with green leaves and stems

Stalked Moonwort

Botrychium pedunculosum

Stalked Moonwort (Botrychium pedunculosum) is a sterile fern commonly found growing in woodland clearings and damp grassy areas. It has fan-shaped leaves with heavily-veined uppersides and white undersides. The leaves are arranged in a single whorl around the stalk. The plants can grow up to 15 centimetres high and the fertile fronds are often protruding from the centre. Young plants can often be found with bright yellow green leaves. It is a rare and special species that benefits from protection to ensure this delicate species is conserved.

Watering:

Minimum

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

filtered shade,part shade

Soil:

Sand

Growth Rate:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Pale Moonworts should be watered moderately and infrequently. During the growing season from April to August, water the plant every 2-3 weeks with 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of water. During the rest of the year, the soil should be kept fairly dry, watering the plants only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is not recommended, as it can damage the delicate plant roots.

sunlight

Pale Moonwort prefers shaded areas and its ideal environment should provide dappled or filtered sunlight throughout the day. When planted in garden beds or pots, Pale Moonwort should not be exposed to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Sunlight should be limited to around 4-6 hours per day. Additionally, Pale Moonwort does not require direct sunlight. Therefore, it is best to provide partial shade for this species using a sheer curtain or sunhat on a hot afternoon.

pruning

Pale Moonwort does not need to be pruned and does not respond well to pruning. Since this plant species is an herbaceous perennial and dies back each year, some of the foliage can be gently removed in late fall or early winter if desired, but it is not required or recommended.

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