Wagner named this plant in 1994. It grows from one to three inches tall. It is rare in Colorado and is recorded in several other western states and Canada.  In 2000 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was petitioned for Endangered Species listing for this Moonwort and as of September of 2006 the plant is a "Candidate" for endangered species listing.

Click for Steve Popovich's, Botrychium lineare Population Status in Colorado which indicates that "There is general consensus ... that Botrychium lineare is among the most rare vascular plants in the State".

"Lineare" is Latin and was given for the linear-like structure of the pinnae.