How much sun does Branched Moonwort need?

Branched Moonwort grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Branched Moonwort native?

Branched Moonwort (Botrychium matricariifolium) is native to CT, DE, IA, IL and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Branched Moonwort HOA-friendly?

Branched Moonwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Branched Moonwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Botrychium matricariifolium

Last reviewed: August 2026

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

2"–8" H × 1"–4" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

CT, DE, IA, IL and 21 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Piedmont Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Branched Moonwort need?: Branched Moonwort grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Branched Moonwort native?: Branched Moonwort (Botrychium matricariifolium) is native to CT, DE, IA, IL and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Branched Moonwort HOA-friendly?: Branched Moonwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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