Idaho Moonworts

Publication Type:

Magazine Article

Authors:

Rey-Vizgirdas, Edna

Source:

Sage Notes, Idaho Native Plant Society, Volume 23, Issue 3, p.6-8 (2001)

Call Number:

A01REY01IDUS

Keywords:

Botrychium, moonwart

Abstract:

Stroll through any forest in Idaho and you're likely to see a variety of characteristic plants in the understory. While walking in the woods, you'll soon begin to recognize the various plant communities or associations, such as white spiraea in Douglas-fir stands or elk sedge in subalpine fir habitats. But some of the less showy species, the tiny "belly plants" as they're affectionately called, are easily overlooked. In particular, grapeferns or moonworts, members of the genus Botrychium in the Adder's tongue family (Ophioglossaceae) are unique ferns that may be no larger than your thumb. The name Botrychium comes from the Latin "botry" - a bunch of grapes - referring to the grapelike clusters of small round spore cases (sporangia) found on the margins of their fertile fronds. Interestingly, moonworts were thought to have magical powers if collected by moonlight. Botrychium lunaria (common moonwort) was used in the incantations of witches and necromancers, and was thought to unlock locks and unshoe the horses that tread on it. The crescent shaped leaves of B. lunaria indicate that the moon (Luna) influenced it. European peasants believed that the leaves always faced the moon. Although these early notions may seem a bit fanciful to us today, we are still very much on a learning curve with respect to moonwort ecology, taxonomy, and distribution.