Parsley Fern
Botrychium australefam. Ophioglossaceae
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Pl. 4036 — Botrychium australe
Botrychium australeBotrychium australeBotrychium australeBotrychium australeBotrychium australeBotrychium australeBotrychium australeBotrychium australeBotrychium australeBotrychium australeBotrychium australeBotrychium australeBotrychium australeBotrychium australe
IOverview
Overview
Parsley Fern (Botrychium australe) is an herbaceous plant native to regions in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, New Guinea, New South Wales, Norfolk Island, and parts of Australia including New Zealand North and South Islands. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this fern thrives in moist environments with partial sun or shade. It prefers light to medium soil and can grow up to 0.5 meters tall. Its distinctive feature is the presence of sporophylls that resemble parsley leaves, hence the common name.
Quick answers
What is Parsley Fern?
Parsley Fern (Botrychium australe) is an herbaceous plant native to regions in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, New Guinea, New South Wales, Norfolk Island, and parts of Australia including New Zealand North and South Islands.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Parsley Fern thrives in full to partial sunlight and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light or medium in texture. It grows up to 0.5 meters tall and can be propagated through division of the rhizomes. Hardy in temperate regions, this fern is native to parts of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, New Guinea, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and Queensland, making it adaptable to various climates. Harvest its edible leaves and shoots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Parsley Fern for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple setup to grow Parsley Fern as an easy-to-care-for houseplant or garden plant.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot, well-draining soil, and a healthy Parsley Fern plant.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a light, sandy or medium-textured soil. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant from a nursery pot to your prepared container, ensuring roots are not damaged.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and place in partial shade to avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Place in a bright spot with indirect light.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, placing in full sun, using heavy soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The parsley fern's leaves and shoots are edible. They can be consumed fresh or used in various preparations such as salads, soups, and teas. The plant thrives in moist, light to partial sun conditions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
13 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
13 native · 1 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 13 native· 1 introduced
Broader regions
native:Victoria, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Brazil Southeast, Chatham Is., Chile South, New Guinea, New South Wales, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Norfolk Is., Queensland
introduced:Tasmania
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
2 related
See also
2 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Ophioglossaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Ophioglossaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4036c89c-f4c7-4f32-b95a-0a872648a9c5
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