Common Moonwort

Botrychium lunaria

Physical Characteristics

Botrychium lunaria is a FERN growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. The seeds ripen from June to August. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Widely distributed in arctic and temperate zones of Europe, Asia and Australasia.

Habitats

Meadow; East Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Dysentery Moonwort has a long reputation as a vulnerary herb, the leaves are used externally as an ointment or taken internally[4, 240]. They are also used in the treatment of ruptures and dysentery[240].

Known Hazards

None known