Vegetable Fern (Diplazium esculentum)

Family: Athyriaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Diplazium esculentum is an evergreen Fern growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in iron, phosphorus, potassium and proteins. — Diplazium esculentum is considered the most important edible fern worldwide, rich in iron, phosphorus, potassium and proteins.; Its use as a vegetable is prevalent in Asia and Oceania, and it is widely used in the Himalayas.; The young leaves are eaten as lalab (a vegetable salad served with sambal) with rice.; The young fronds are boiled and used as a vegetable.

Habitat & North American Range

River banks, open places in wet ground, at elevations below 900 metres in Sri Lanka. (Zone 8)