Description: Perennial fern less than 10 cm (4 in.) tall. The single yellow green frond (fern leaf) is divided into an elongated fertile (spore-bearing) segment and a short sterile (vegetative) segment, both arising from a common stalk about half the length of the entire frond. Sterile segment once pinnatified with broadly fan-shaped leaflets, distinct veins and crenulate margins. Fertile segment longer than sterile one, branched once to twice-pinnate, with grape-like sporangia. Fertile June to August.
Habitat: Wetland-dependent, commonly found in marsh and spring areas. Elevations: 2,500 - 3,399 m (8,200 - 11,150 ft).
Range: Known in the Spring Mountains from several springs. Also known to occur in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Comments: Distinguishing features include broadly fan-shaped leaflets with crenulate margins and prominent veins.
Special Remarks: Recent collections from the Spring Mountains reveal that there are at least six species of moonworts in the area, including B. lineare, a candidate species for federal listing.