Northern Moonwort (En)
Botrychium pinnatum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states
This small native fern produces delicate, deeply divided fronds that emerge in spring and die back in fall. It grows slowly in small clumps, preferring shaded areas with consistent moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
Northern Moonwort (En) 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.
- Completely disappears underground in winter leaving bare spots
- Very small size makes it look sparse in formal landscapes
- Can appear weedy or unkempt to untrained eyes
Wildlife value
As a fern, it does not produce flowers or attract pollinators but provides shelter for small insects and adds to native plant diversity.
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 Northern Moonwort (En) fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.