Botrychium pedunculosum
Stalked moonwort
(c) Ed Alverson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ophioglossaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Botrychium pedunculosum (Stalked moonwort) is a native California herb in the Ophioglossaceae family, recognized by long trophophore stalk distinctive when present.
Stalked moonwort is a rare (CNPS 2B.1) California native perennial found in mountain meadows at elevations around 1,850 meters. This delicate fern produces pale green fronds with broadly ovate to triangular blades that are 1 to 2-pinnate. Growing with a distinctive structure where the common stalk is equal to or longer than the trophophore length, it features 4 to 6 pairs of pinnae with broadly ovate segments that have coarsely toothed outer margins. Its pinnae have an unusual characteristic where the side margins of basal pinnae converge at angles between 90 and 120 degrees, creating a unique geometric leaf arrangement. The fertile portion of the plant includes sporangia that are either spaced or crowded across its broadly triangular reproductive structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; long trophophore stalk distinctive when present
Habitat and range
Habitat: Mountain meadows
Elevation: 1850 m
Outside California: Oregon and Washington to Montana, also Alberta to Quebec
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.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 pedunculosum native to California?
Yes. Botrychium pedunculosum is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Botrychium pedunculosum belong to?
Botrychium pedunculosum is in the Ophioglossaceae family, genus Botrychium.
Is Botrychium pedunculosum rare or endangered?
Botrychium pedunculosum carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Botrychium pedunculosum grow in?
Botrychium pedunculosum grows in Mountain meadows.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.