Least Moonwort

Overview

Least Moonwort (Botrychium simplex var. simplex) is a small fern of the Ophioglossaceae family. It is a perennial wildflower that grows in shady woodlands in parts of Europe and Asia. This plant has delicate, shallowly divided, dark green leaves that are often divided into three small leaflets. It produces small insignificant green flowers in clusters in summer. The veins of the leaves are bright moon-shaped silver spots, which is where it gets its common name. The leaves resemble small crescents, so the plant is also sometimes called ‘Crescent Fern’. This species is one of the least damaging of its group, as it does not form large colonies, but is instead found in small clusters.

Care Guide