Zenmai (Osmunda japonica)

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

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young fronds - cooked. An edible starch is obtained from the rhizome. — Young fronds - cooked.; An edible starch is obtained from the rhizome.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist places all over Japan. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)