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Botrychium ternatum

Botrychium ternatumfam. Ophioglossaceae
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edibleshrubsedibleedible leafnative asiashade tolerant
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Botrychium ternatum (Botrychium ternatum) — botanical photograph
Pl. FC1F — Botrychium ternatum
Botrychium ternatumBotrychium ternatumBotrychium ternatumBotrychium ternatumBotrychium ternatumBotrychium ternatumBotrychium ternatumBotrychium ternatumBotrychium ternatumBotrychium ternatumBotrychium ternatumBotrychium ternatumBotrychium ternatumBotrychium ternatum
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Overview

Botrychium ternatum, commonly known as the three-segmented moonwort, is a member of the Ophioglossaceae family and is native to a wide range of regions including China (North-Central, South-Central, Southeast), Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Nepal, Sakhalin, Taiwan, Vietnam, and parts of the Himalayas. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure and prefers light or medium soil types, growing up to 0.3 meters tall. It is valued for its edible leaves, which can be consumed raw or cooked and are often used in stir-fries or soups, adding a mild flavor to dishes. While primarily known for its culinary uses, this plant also serves as an ornamental addition to gardens in temperate regions, enhancing the landscape with its unique growth form. Caution should be exercised when handling this plant, as it is not medicinal and no specific safety claims can be made regarding its use.

Quick answers

What is Botrychium ternatum?

Botrychium ternatum, commonly known as the three-segmented moonwort, is a member of the Ophioglossaceae family and is native to a wide range of regions including China (North-Central, South-Central, Southeast), Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Nepal, Sakhalin, Taiwan, Vietnam, and parts of the Himalayas.

Compare with:Parsley Fern→Adder's Tongue→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Botrychium ternatum thrives in partial sun to full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light or sandy. It grows up to 0.3 meters tall and can be propagated through division. The edible parts are the leaves, which make it a unique addition to gardens in temperate regions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Botrychium ternatum for the first time

8steps

Start with simple soil and light conditions for a successful Skip plant.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Skip plants, potting mix suitable for light or medium soils, containers with drainage holes.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant Skip in early spring when the soil is moist and warm enough.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure your container has adequate drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant Skip from its current location to a new container, ensuring the roots are not damaged.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist and place the plant in partial shade for the first few days.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide light to medium sunlight. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, avoiding overwatering.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance and encourage new growth.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, placing in full sun, using heavy soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough light.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Botrychium ternatum are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often prepared in stir-fries or soups, adding a mild flavor to dishes. Skip the detailed preparation methods as they were not provided.
Contextrange · companions · related
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Distribution

13 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 13 native
Asia6 regions
native (6)ChinaJapanNepalSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, Kazan-retto, Sakhalin, West Himalaya
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Botrychium ternatum (Botrychium ternatum) — botanical photograph
Botrychium ternatum (Botrychium ternatum)
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See also

2 related

Plants 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.
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