Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana)

Family: Osmundaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Osmunda claytoniana is a FERN growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The young fronds are eaten. Cooked as a vegetable. The centre of the clump, below ground level, is the source of a small edible pith called 'fern butter'. — The young fronds are eaten.; Cooked as a vegetable.; The centre of the clump, below ground level, is the source of a small edible pith called 'fern butter'.

Habitat & North American Range

Wet places in C. Japan. Open slopes, rarely in forests, 2800 - 3300 metres in Kashmir. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)