Branched Moonwort
Botrychium matricariifolium
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
2"–8" H × 1"–4" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
CT, DE, IA, IL and 22 more states
Daisy-leaved moonwort is a tiny native fern with delicate, divided fronds that emerge in spring. This miniature species grows close to the ground and goes dormant by midsummer, disappearing completely until the following year.
In an HOA neighborhood
Branched Moonwort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely small size makes it nearly invisible
- Disappears completely for most of the year
- Looks like weedy growth to untrained eyes
Wildlife value
As a fern, it does not support pollinators but provides habitat for small soil organisms and contributes to native ecosystem diversity.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Branched Moonwort fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.