E. Hitchc.
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.157068
Element CodePPOPH010E0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomPlantae
PhylumFilicinophyta
ClassOphioglossopsida
OrderOphioglossales
FamilyOphioglossaceae
GenusBotrychium
Other Common NamesBotryche simple (FR) Least Moonwort (EN) Little Grapefern (EN) little grapefern (EN)
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Taxonomic CommentsThis record is for a broad treatment of Botrychium simplex, including varieties compositum, laxifolium, simplex, and tenebrosum, as recognized in Kartesz (1994). Kartesz (1994) recognizes these as distinct varieties while Kartesz (1999) does not. Wagner and Wagner in FNA (1993, vol. 2) do not distinguish varieties and include B. tenebrosum as a synonym. Weakley et al. (2025) recognize B. tenebrosum as a distinct species and recognize B. simplex var. simplex for their area saying, "Farrar & Wendel (1996) indicate that 3 varieties of B. simplex have strong genetic divergence, comparable to that usually distinguishing species. Additional study of "Botrychium simplex" is likely to lead to recognition of a number of taxa, probably at specific rank."
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2024-05-30
Change Date1984-07-16
Edition Date2024-05-30
Edition AuthorsGries, D. (1998), rev. C. Nordman (2024).
Threat ImpactLow
Range Extent>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences> 300
Rank ReasonsLeast Grapefern (Botrychium simplex) is widespread, occurring in high elevations from California to North Carolina north to Alaska and Newfoundland, and in Europe. It is estimated that there are over 300 occurrences rangewide, including on many National Forests, and on other federal and state conservation lands. Threats include the loss of habitat due to residential development and water use and diversions leading to wetland habitat loss.
Range Extent CommentsLeast Grapefern (Botrychium simplex) occurs at high elevations from southern California to North Carolina and northward to Alaska and Newfoundland; also widespread in the Old World, including in France, Germany, and the Nordic Countries. In Idaho, known from Boundary, Clearwater, and Custer Counties (Idaho Native Plant Society 1993). In British Columbia, only known from Vancouver Island (Douglas 1989). Range extent was estimated to be 23 million square kilometers using herbarium specimens, photo-based observations, and NatureServe Network occurrence data collected between 1993 and 2024 (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 1993, GBIF 2024, iNaturalist 2024, NatureServe 2024, SEINet 2024).
Occurrences CommentsBy applying a 1 km separation distance to herbarium specimens, photo-based observations, and NatureServe Network occurrence data documented between 1993 and 2024, it is estimated that there are over 300 occurrences rangewide (GBIF 2024, iNaturalist 2024, NatureServe 2024, SEINet 2024).
Threat Impact CommentsThreats include the loss of habitat due to residential development and water use and diversions leading to wetland habitat loss.