How much sun does Mingan Island Grapefern need?

Mingan Island Grapefern grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Mingan Island Grapefern native?

Mingan Island Grapefern (Botrychium minganense) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Mingan Island Grapefern HOA-friendly?

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

Mingan Island Grapefern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

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

Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Mingan Island Grapefern need?: Mingan Island Grapefern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Mingan Island Grapefern native?: Mingan Island Grapefern (Botrychium minganense) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Mingan Island Grapefern HOA-friendly?: Mingan Island Grapefern 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Mingan Island Grapefern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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