Crown Wood-Fern
Dryopteris crassirhizomafam. Dryopteridaceae
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Pl. 01D0 — Dryopteris crassirhizoma
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IOverview
Overview
Crown Wood-Fern (Dryopteris crassirhizoma) is a deciduous fern native to the eastern Asian region, including Amur, China North-Central, Japan, Khabarovsk, Korea, Kuril Islands, Manchuria, and Primorye. This plant thrives in partial sun or shade and prefers moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to one meter tall. Crown Wood-Fern is notable for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to the landscape as both an ornamental plant and a source of food.
Quick answers
What is Crown Wood-Fern?
Crown Wood-Fern (Dryopteris crassirhizoma) is a deciduous fern native to the eastern Asian region, including Amur, China North-Central, Japan, Khabarovsk, Korea, Kuril Islands, Manchuria, and Primorye.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crown Wood-Fern thrives in partial sun to shade and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows up to 1 meter tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-draining. Propagate through division of rhizomes or by spores. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Crown Wood-Fern for the first time
8steps
Start with Crown Wood-Fern to add a touch of greenery and learn the basics of fern care.
- 1
What you'll need
Crown Wood-Fern plants or divisions, potting mix suitable for ferns, containers with drainage holes.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Crown Wood-Fern in early spring or late fall when the weather is cooler and more stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix that's light, medium, or heavy. Ensure containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant Crown Wood-Fern from divisions or purchase established plants. Plant them at the same depth as they were in their original container.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the first few weeks to help the plant settle and establish roots.
- 6
Ongoing care
Place Crown Wood-Fern in a partially shaded area. Water regularly, especially when the top inch of soil feels dry. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or yellowing fronds to maintain the plant's appearance and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, placing in full sun, using heavy clay soil without drainage, neglecting regular watering, not providing enough shade.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The Crown Wood-Fern's leaves are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their mild flavor or steamed as a vegetable. Skip the preparation details if you're looking for quick uses.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 9 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Primorye, Sakhalin, Amur
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
6 related
See also
6 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Dryopteridaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Dryopteridaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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