Common Name:

General Information

Athyrium melanolepis is a deciduous fern forming a clump of fronds up to 100cm tall[].
The plant is sometimes harested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[].
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[].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - northeast China, northern and central Japan, Korea

Habitat

Forests in China[]. Mountains in Japan[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Fern
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Athyrium melanolepis is native to northeastern China, Japan and Korea growing in hardiness zones 3 - 5.
An easily grown plant, it is calcifuge and prefers an acid soil with a pH from 4.5 to 6.5, but it tolerates alkaline soils if plenty of leaf mould is added[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist sheltered site with moderately high atmospheric humidity[]. Succeeds in a semi-shaded bog-garden or in damp woodland, also in garden borders in full or part shade[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

The very young fronds (croziers) are eaten[]. No more details are given, but some caution is advised. See the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Spores - surface sow in a pot of sterile compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep moist, this is most easily done by putting the pot in a plastic bag. Pot up small clumps of the plants when they are large enough to handle and keep them moist until they are established. Plant out in late spring of the following year.
Division in spring as plants come into growth. Larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.