Botrychium pinnatum
Northwestern moonwort
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Family: Ophioglossaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Botrychium pinnatum (Northwestern moonwort) is a native California herb in the Ophioglossaceae family, recognized by 2-pinnate blade unique among CA moonworts.
Northwestern moonwort is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, Mount Shasta area, and central Sierra Nevada High Sierra in moist fields and shrubby slopes at elevations of 1,900 to 2,800 meters. This delicate fern-like plant has a bright green, broadly ovate blade 3 to 6 centimeters long with 4 to 8 pairs of deeply lobed pinnae. Growing with a distinctive two-pinnate leaf structure, its common stalk is approximately one-third the length of its trophophore. Its leaves feature pinnules with entire to minutely crenate margins, with basal pinnae side margins converging at a unique 160 to 190-degree angle. The sporophore emerges with branches that overlap, creating a complex and intricate reproductive structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; 2-pinnate blade unique among CA moonworts
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist fields, shrubby slopes
Elevation: 1900-2800 m
California counties: Siskiyou
Outside California: to Alaska, central Canada, Colorado
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
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 pinnatum native to California?
Yes. Botrychium pinnatum is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Botrychium pinnatum grow?
Botrychium pinnatum occurs in Siskiyou, at elevations of 1900-2800 m.
What plant family does Botrychium pinnatum belong to?
Botrychium pinnatum is in the Ophioglossaceae family, genus Botrychium.
Is Botrychium pinnatum rare or endangered?
Botrychium pinnatum carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Botrychium pinnatum grow in?
Botrychium pinnatum grows in Moist fields, shrubby slopes.
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.