Life history

Species overview

Moonwort Grape-fern (Botrychium lunaria), a State Endangered plant, is found typically in the open areas of moist, cool woods such as small grassy gaps, edges of woods or open fields. The optimal identification period for this species is early July through late September.

Synonyms: Botrychium lunaria var. onondagense, Botrychium onondagense, Osmunda lunaria

Identification

• Distinguishing characteristics: Fronds lanceolate in overall shape, (not broadly triangular) with 3 to 6 pairs of more or less opposite pinnae lobes, each of which is broader than long and fan-shaped.
• Flower characteristics:
• Fruit characteristics: Spore producing organ (sporophore) grows up to 14 cm long, sparsely branched bearing small round sporangia (round spore-bearing sacs) and emerges from the base of the leaf,
• Leaf characteristics: Bright green, erect, 1.5 to 7 cm x 0.7 to 3 cm, distinctly pinnately divided, smooth , consisting of 3 to 6 more or less opposite pairs of pinnae lobes, each of which is broader than it is long; pinnae lobes ares fan-shaped with no midrib, resembling leaves of the ginko tree.

Phenology

• Blooming phenology:
• Fruiting phenology: July
• Optimum time to identify: early July through late September

Other

• Growth form: Fern
• Vegetative reproduction: Rhizomatous
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Comments: Associated Species: Abies balsamea, Picea glauca, Betula papyrifera, Acer saccharum, A. spicatum, Botrychium minganense, Botrychium simplex.

State status

Status and Natural Heritage Inventory documented occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status - state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Moonwort Grape-fern (Botrychium lunaria). See the Working List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Habitats and landscapes

The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which each of Wisconsin's rare plant species is associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.

General habitat information

• Habitat description: Found typically in the open areas of moist, cool woods such as small grassy gaps, edges of woods or open fields.
• Soils: Sandy or gravelly soils.

Natural communities

This table lists the natural communities that are associated with Moonwort Grape-fern. Scores for natural community associations are: "significant" association (score=3), "moderate association" (score=2) or the species can be present but is only weakly associated with the community (score=1).

Ecological landscapes

This table lists the ecological landscape association scores for Moonwort Grape-fern. The scores (3=High, 2=Moderate, 1=Low, 0=None) also correspond to the map.

Species guidance

The Endangered Resources Program has developed avoidance measures and management guidelines for plants on the Natural Heritage Working List. These are a work in progress, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback. Sources used in developing this information can be found here.

Avoidance measures

These are specific actions designed to avoid "take" (mortality) of this species.

• Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.
• Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides; use care with spot spraying.
• Avoid site preparation that heavily disturbs herbaceous ground layer and soil; these include bulldozing and furrowing, as well as grubbing and stump removal.
• Avoid direct disturbance to sensitive microsites such as seeps, cliffs, and moss-covered boulders.
• Avoid locating landings, staging areas, or access routes in open sandy areas dominated by native grasses.

Management guidance

Management guidelines are additional considerations that may help maintain or enhance habitat for this species

• Buffer management around unique microhabitats such as ephemeral ponds, seeps, etc.
• Follow BMPs, especially around streams and use care near ravines, steep slopes, cliffs, rock outcrops, etc.
• Maintain high forest canopy cover; this species requires shaded habitat conditions.
• Maintain thick duff layer if possible; minimize spread of invasive species including earthworms.

Other resources

Links to additional Moonwort Grape-fern information

• NatureServe Explorer information [exit DNR]

Other links related to vascular plants (all exit the DNR website)

• Wisconsin Vascular Plants
• Freckmann Herbarium
• Atlas of Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora - Wisconsin State Herbarium
• USDA - NRCS Plants Database
• USGS Midwestern Wetland Flora - field office guide to plant species
• eFloras
• Cofrin Center for Biodiversity Herbarium
• Intermountain Herbarium Grasses of North America
• Orchids of Wisconsin

Photos

Click to view a larger version. Please considering donating a photo to the Endangered Resources Program for educational uses. Photo use