Botrychium campestre var. lineare
Slender moonwort
(c) Mathew* Zappa, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ophioglossaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Botrychium campestre var. lineare (Slender moonwort) is a native California perennial in the Ophioglossaceae family, recognized by linear pinnae segments distinctive.
Slender moonwort is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in central Sierra Nevada Mountains in moist meadows at elevations of 2,500 to 4,000 meters. While flowering time is not specified, this delicate fern produces green to pale-green fronds with 1 to 4 centimeters of blade length. Growing with a distinctive structure, its common stalk is approximately equal in length to its trophophore, featuring 3 to 6 pairs of narrow, well-separated pinnae. Its leaves are narrowly ovate to lanceolate, with linear pinnae ascending at shallow angles and occasionally bearing scattered sporangia. The plant's fertile portion develops stiffly ascending and overlapping branches with crowded sporangia, creating a unique botanical profile.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; linear pinnae segments distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist meadows
Elevation: 2500-4000 m
Outside California: to Alaska, east to Minnesota, Ontario
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Sceptridium: Check the leaf bud - Botrychium is completely smooth, Sceptridium is hairy.; vs Ophioglossum: Botrychium has divided compound leaves; Ophioglossum has a single simple oval blade.; vs Botrypus: Feel the leaf bud - Botrychium is smooth and hairless, Botrypus is distinctly hairy.
Frequently asked questions
Is Botrychium campestre var. lineare native to California?
Yes. Botrychium campestre var. lineare is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Botrychium campestre var. lineare belong to?
Botrychium campestre var. lineare is in the Ophioglossaceae family, genus Botrychium.
Is Botrychium campestre var. lineare rare or endangered?
Botrychium campestre var. lineare carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Botrychium campestre var. lineare grow in?
Botrychium campestre var. lineare grows in Moist meadows.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.