Northern moonwort (Botrychium boreale, Bot. Zeitung (Berlin) 15: 880 (1857))

Family: Ophioglossaceae

Author: Milde

Bibliography: Bot. Zeitung (Berlin) 15: 880 (1857)

Year: 1857

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Botrychium

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. & E. Europe to Japan (Hokkaido), Greenland, Canada

Description

Northern moonwort, scientifically known as Botrychium boreale, is a distinctive and fascinating member of the Ophioglossaceae family. This small fern has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike due to its unique characteristics and wide geographical range.

Originally described by botanist Milde in 1857, as documented in the “Botanische Zeitung” (Berlin), Botrychium boreale has since been recognized as a significant species within its genus. The plant is indigenous to several regions, spanning Northern and Eastern Europe, extending through to Japan’s Hokkaido island, and also found in Greenland and parts of Canada. This broad distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to different climates and environments.

Northern moonwort is celebrated for its delicate, moon-shaped fronds, which have earned it the common name. Like other members of the Ophioglossaceae family, it is a perennial fern known for its symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which aid in the absorption of nutrients from the soil. The plant’s lifecycle and reproductive strategies are unique, involving both spore production and underground gametophytes, hidden away from direct observation.

Despite its wide distribution, Botrychium boreale tends to favor specific habitats, often flourishing in undisturbed, mossy environments. It is commonly found in meadows, open woodlands, and moist, shady areas. Conservation of these habitats is crucial for the survival of this and other moonwort species, as they are sensitive to environmental changes and habitat disruption.

In summary, Northern moonwort (Botrychium boreale) is a small but significant fern with a widespread presence across various continents. Its unique botanical features and specific habitat requirements make it a valuable subject of study for botanists and conservationists aiming to understand and preserve the biodiversity of ferns globally.

Common Names

Eng: boreal moonwort, northern grape-fern, northern moonwort
Fra: botryche boréal, botryque boréal
Swe: nordlåsbräken, fjällåsbräken, nordlig låsbräken
Sme: suoidnečoavdda, suoidnečoavddarássi
En: Northern moonwort, Boreal moonwort, Northern grape-fern
Fi: Pohjannoidanlukko
Fr: Botryche boréal, Botryque boréal
Is: Mánajurt
Se: Suoidnečoavdda, Suoidnečoavddarássi
Ru: Гроздовник северный
Sv: Nordlåsbräken, Fjällåsbräken, Nordlig låsbräken

Synonyms

• Botrychium brevifolium (Ångstr.)
• Botrychium boreale var. typicum (R.T.Clausen)
• Botrychium lunaria var. boreale ((Milde ) Fr.)
• Botrychium crassinervium (Rupr.)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Amur (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Chita (native)
• Finland (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Magadan (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Norway (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Sweden (native)
• West Siberia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Brett Bissell someguy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 1997 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 11, 1997 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650163)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30012157-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Botrychium boreale J. Milde)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth