Cryptotaenia canadensis
| Cryptotaenia canadensis | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 5 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 3' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Cryptotaenia canadensis (common name: honewort)
Propagation: Seed - sow April in a greenhouse. Germination is usually rapid, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. The ideal temperature for sowing is about 25°c, though seed does germinate at higher and lower temperatures[1]. Seed can also be sown in early autumn[1].
Division in spring or autumn.
Cultivation: Succeeds in a rich moist soil, preferring to grow in dappled shade[2][3].
Closely related to C. japonica, a species that is cultivated as a vegetable in Japan[4][K]. This species is being cultivated in America to supply the Japanese market with a chervil-like herb[5].
Slugs are extremely fond of this plant, especially when the new growth emerges in spring[K].
Range: Eastern N. America - Western New Brunswick to Manitoba and south to Alabama. Arkansas and Texas.
Habitat: Rich woods and thickets[4]. Woodland ravines and riverbanks[3].
Edibility: Young leaves, stems and flowers - raw or cooked[6][7]. Used as a potherb or added to salads[8]. A flavour that is somewhat like celery[3], if you use your imagination[K].
The seeds are used as a flavouring for cakes, breads and biscuits[8].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Larkcom, Joy. Oriental Vegetables. John Murray, 1991.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lyndon, Merritt. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co, 1950.
- ↑ Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.