Botrychium rubellum
Red lanceolate moonwort
(c) Timothy McNitt, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ophioglossaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Botrychium rubellum (Red lanceolate moonwort) is a native California perennial in the Ophioglossaceae family, recognized by reddish stripe on stalk and triangular blade distinctive.
Red lanceolate moonwort is a native perennial found in moist stream environments at elevations around 1,500 meters, typically growing under partial forest canopy. Its distinctive frond features a deep green blade with 3 to 5 pairs of lanceolate to linear pinnae, often with a reddish stripe along its common stalk. Growing with a delicate structure, this moonwort has a trophophore stalk up to 3 millimeters long, with basal pinnae that are enlarged and spread with a characteristic upward curve. Its leaves are uniquely configured with lower pinnules larger and often curving upward, creating an intricate and elegant botanical form. The plant produces a fertile sporophore portion with deltate to ovate branches where sporangia are densely clustered.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; reddish stripe on stalk and triangular blade distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist stream edges under partial canopy
Elevation: 1500 m
Outside California: to Alaska, western Canada, New Mexico, also Labrador, Greenland, Iceland
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 rubellum native to California?
Yes. Botrychium rubellum is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Botrychium rubellum belong to?
Botrychium rubellum is in the Ophioglossaceae family, genus Botrychium.
What habitat does Botrychium rubellum grow in?
Botrychium rubellum grows in Moist stream edges under partial canopy.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-17
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.