Botrychium lanceolatum
Botrychium lanceolatum
Lanceleaf Grapefern
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Taxonomy
Family Unknown · Genus Botrychium
Description
Botrychium lanceolatum, the lanceleaf grapefern, is a tiny, cold-hardy moonwort found in cool meadows, open woods, and alpine edges. It relies on special soil fungi, making it very hard to grow in gardens. Best appreciated in naturalistic, undisturbed sites where its delicate, single frond and fertile spike appear briefly each season.
Common Names
Lanceleaf GrapefernLance-leaved MoonwortLanceolate Moonwort
Context
nativeRegion
Circumboreal: northern North America, Europe, and Asia in cool, open woods, meadows, and alpine edges.
usdaZones
2-6
companionPlants
Vaccinium angustifolium (Lowbush Blueberry), Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry), Carex spp. (Sedges), Deschampsia flexuosa (Wavy Hairgrass), Empetrum nigrum (Crowberry)
culturalUses
Primarily ecological and conservation interest; limited horticultural use. Some Botrychium species have ethnobotanical notes, but this species is rarely used.
Care
Care Requirements
LightDappled shade to partial sun; bright but cool conditions.
WateringKeep evenly moist in well-drained soils; never waterlogged. Allow surface to just dry between gentle waterings.
SoilSandy or loamy, well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 5–6.5) with intact leaf litter/moss; undisturbed, fungal-rich soil is essential.
FertilizerDo not fertilize; high nutrients can harm the mycorrhizal balance. Rely on natural leaf litter.
HumidityModerate ambient humidity; prefers cool, moist air rather than heat and dryness.
TemperatureHardy to very cold winters (USDA 2–6). Best growth in cool seasons ~45–70°F (7–21°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitTiny terrestrial moonwort with a single frond bearing a sterile blade and a separate fertile spike of sporangia.
Mature Size3–8 in tall (7–20 cm), 2–4 in wide (5–10 cm).
Growth RateSlow-growing; colonies expand gradually over years.
BloomingFerns do not bloom; produces fertile sporangial spike releasing spores in early to midsummer.
DormancyDeciduous; aboveground frond senesces after spore release, plant overwinters underground.
Propagation
MethodsSpores with compatible mycorrhizal fungi (specialized, lab or habitat-based), Transplanting an intact sod/clump with native soil from an established colony (not recommended, conservation-sensitive)
DifficultyVery difficult; success depends on specific mycorrhizal partners and undisturbed soils.
Best SeasonCollect/ sow spores in late summer to early fall; any transplant attempts only in early spring or fall while dormant.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningNone needed; at most, remove spent frond after it senesces naturally.
RepottingNot recommended; highly disturbance-sensitive. If attempted, avoid repotting and keep soil community intact.
Pests & DiseasesFew pests; slugs/snails may nibble. Most losses stem from disturbance, compaction, heat, or poor drainage causing rot.
ToxicityGenerally considered non-toxic to people and pets; not intended for consumption.
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