Carrot fern (Onychium japonicum, Bot. Zeitung (Berlin) 6: 507 (1848))

Family: Pteridaceae

Author: (Thunb.) Kunze

Bibliography: Bot. Zeitung (Berlin) 6: 507 (1848)

Year: 1848

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Onychium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: C. & E. China to Temp. E. Asia and Jawa

Description

Carrot fern, scientifically known as Onychium japonicum, is a fascinating species of fern that forms part of the Pteridaceae family. This plant has an extensive historical pedigree, having been first described in the botanical literature in 1848 by Kunze, building upon initial classifications by the earlier botanist Thunberg.

The Carrot fern is native to a wide geographical area that spans from Central and Eastern China through to the temperate regions of Eastern Asia, and even reaching as far as Jawa. This broad native range highlights the plant’s adaptability to various climatic conditions, from the varied temperate zones to more tropical environments.

Like many ferns, Onychium japonicum thrives in moist, shady environments, often found under the canopy of forests where it can enjoy the filtered sunlight and rich, well-draining soil. This adaptability to shade and moisture makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add texture and greenery to shaded areas of their gardens.

The fronds of the Carrot fern are delicate and finely divided, resembling the leaves of a carrot plant, which likely inspired its common name. These fronds can add a soft, feathery texture to garden borders, woodland gardens, and mixed plantings.

In cultivation, Carrot fern can be a delightful addition to fern collections and gardens where its lush, green fronds can provide year-round interest. It is not particularly difficult to grow, provided it is given the right conditions – ample moisture, shade, and well-drained soil.

Overall, the Carrot fern (Onychium japonicum) represents both a botanical curiosity and a practical choice for gardeners seeking a plant that combines aesthetic appeal with adaptability to a range of growing conditions. Its historical background, native range, and gardening attributes make it a plant worthy of appreciation and cultivation.

Common Names

Eng: carrot fern
Deu: japanischer klauenfarn
Swe: klövbräken
En: Carrot fern
Zh: 日本金粉蕨
De: Japanischer Klauenfarn
Sv: Klövbräken
Zh-tw: 日本金粉蕨

Synonyms

• Pteris japonica (Mett.)
• Asplenium swartzianum (Kunze)
• Caenopteris japonica (Thunb.)
• Cryptogramma japonica (Prantl)
• Onychium chinense (Fée)
• Onychium japonicum f. echizenense (Yo.Saito & Y.Yoshim.)
• Onychium carvifolium (Fée)
• Darea japonica (Willd.)

Distribution

• Bangladesh (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Korea (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Ogasawara-shoto (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Azores (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7335697)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17167030-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Onychium japonicum (Thunb.) Kunze)

Specifications

Growth