Athyrium melanolepis
| Athyrium melanolepis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 1' |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Athyrium melanolepis
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.
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. It is closely related to A. felix-femina[1]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
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[2]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist sheltered site with moderately high atmospheric humidity[2]. Succeeds in a semi-shaded bog-garden or in damp woodland, also in garden borders in full or part shade[2].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[3].
Range: E. Asia - Japan, Korea and eastern Russia.
Habitat: Mountains, C. and N. Japan[1].
Edibility: The very young fronds (croziers) are eaten[4]. No more details are given, but some caution is advised. See the notes above on toxicity.
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Heavy Clay: Grows in heavy-clay soils.
Known Hazards: Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[2].
Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this e
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ohwi, Jisaburo. Flora of Japan. Smithsonian Institution, 1965.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.