How much sun does Common Moonwort need?

Common Moonwort grows best in full sun conditions.

Where is Common Moonwort native?

Common Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria) is native to WY, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Common Moonwort toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Common Moonwort as toxic to livestock.

Is Common Moonwort HOA-friendly?

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

Common Moonwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Botrychium lunaria

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Common Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Common Moonwort as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–8" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Northern Lakes and Forests

Common moonwort is a tiny, delicate native fern with distinctive crescent-shaped leaflets that give it its name. This diminutive plant emerges in spring and disappears by midsummer, making it ephemeral and easily overlooked in the landscape.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common 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 by midsummer
May appear as missing plants or weeds to neighbors

Wildlife value

As a fern, it does not attract pollinators but provides habitat for small insects and adds to native plant diversity. Its small size limits its overall wildlife impact.

Common questions

How much sun does Common Moonwort need?: Common Moonwort grows best in full sun conditions.
Where is Common Moonwort native?: Common Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria) is native to WY, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Common Moonwort toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Common Moonwort as toxic to livestock.
Is Common Moonwort HOA-friendly?: Common 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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