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Osmunda japonica - Thunb.

Common Name Zenmai
Family Osmundaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200]. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172].
Habitats Moist places all over Japan[58, 200].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Wet Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Osmunda japonica Zenmai


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Loasa
Osmunda japonica Zenmai
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Kropsoq

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of fern
Osmunda japonica is a FERN growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Root
Edible Uses:

Young fronds - cooked[105, 177]. An edible starch is obtained from the rhizome[105, 177].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Likes a soil of swamp mud and loamy or fibrous peat, sand and loam[1]. Succeeds in most moist soils, preferring acid conditions[200]. Requires a constant supply of water, doing well by ponds, streams etc[1]. Plants thrive in full sun so long as there is no shortage of moisture in the soil and also in shady situations beneath shrubs etc[200]. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c, they are evergreen in warm winter areas but deciduous elsewhere[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. Closely related to O. regalis[1].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Spores - they very quickly lose their viability (within 3 days) and are best sown as soon as they are ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil in a lightly shaded place in a greenhouse. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Plants develop very rapidly, pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old. Cultivars usually come true to type[200]. Division of the rootstock in the dormant season. This is a very strenuous exercise due to the mass of wiry roots[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Sakhalin), China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Osmunda asiatica  0.0 -  LMHSNM00 
Osmunda cinnamomeaCinnamon FernFern0.6 4-8 MLMHSNMWe21 
Osmunda claytonianaInterrupted FernFern0.5 3-7  LMHSNMWe21 
Osmunda regalisRoyal Fern, Flowering FernFern2.0 4-9 MLMHSNMWe023

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Thunb.

Botanical References

58200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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Subject : Osmunda japonica  
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