Mingan Island Grapefern
Botrychium minganense
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
2"–8" H × 2"–8" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Mingan moonwort is a small, delicate native fern with distinctive forked fronds that emerge in spring and die back in winter. This tiny woodland species grows close to the ground and requires consistent moisture and partial shade to thrive. It naturally occurs in rocky areas and open woodlands throughout northern regions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mingan Island Grapefern takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. 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 in landscaping
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
- Requires very specific growing conditions that may be hard to maintain
Wildlife value
As a fern, this species does not produce flowers or attract pollinators, but provides minor habitat value for small insects and adds to native plant diversity in woodland settings.
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 Mingan Island Grapefern fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.