Botrychium ternatum
Family: Ophioglossaceae
What it is like
Botrychium ternatum is an evergreen Fern growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in leaf all year. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Thickets and grassy places in lowland and low mountains, C. and S. Japan.
E. Asia - China, Japan. N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - cooked. A soft delicious taste.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant is stomachic, tonic and vulnerary. The root is used in the treatment of dysentery.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a sandy loam with just a small portion of peat. Requires sharp drainage. Best grown in an open position. Plants can be difficult to establish. The prothalli (young plants formed when the spores germinate) of this plant form a symbiotic relationship with a mycorrhizal fungus, similar to the association of orchid seedlings with an invading fungus. A very ornamental plant, it is said to require greenhouse protection in Britain but might survive outdoors in the mildest areas of the country. Unlike most species of ferns, the fronds of this species grow up straight and not curled inward, crozier fashion. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: Spores - best surface sown as soon as they are ripe in a greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. Placing the pot in a plastic bag helps to maintain a humid atmosphere which promotes germination and growth. Prick out small clumps into pots when they are large enough to handle and keep moist until established. Grow on in a greenhouse for at least the first winter and plant out in late spring. Division. It is best not to try and disturb this plant.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Fern
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
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.