Botrychium lunaria, commonly known as moonwort or common moonwort, is a deciduous fern native to a variety of habitats including dry to moist grasslands, meadows, heaths, moors, and open woodlands. It is often found on calcareous or alkaline soils. This species is widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere and parts of the Southern Hemisphere. Moonwort typically grows up to 12 inches tall and features a unique pinnate leaf divided into a sterile frond with fan-shaped leaflets and a fertile frond bearing grapelike clusters of round sporangia. The plant is notable for its distinctive appearance, particularly the fertile frond which is eye-catching when it bears its sporangia.

Moonwort is valued for its unusual foliage and is used in cultivation for rock gardens, native plant gardens, and as a curiosity in shaded garden areas. It requires minimal maintenance once established. In cultivation, moonwort prefers partial shade to full sun and thrives in well-drained soils with consistent moisture. It is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but it can be sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage. There are no popular garden cultivars of this species, as it is generally appreciated for its natural form.CC BY-SA 4.0