Common Moonwort
Botrychium lunaria
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–8" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
WY
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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 Common Moonwort fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.