Is Adder's Tongue edible?

Yes — Adder's Tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum) is catalogued as edible in this database. Always confirm species ID before harvest and source from clean ground.

How should Adder's Tongue be stored?

Dried Adder's Tongue keeps 12–18 months in an airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight and moisture. Volatile-oil constituents degrade faster — buy in small quantities and use within 6 months of opening for peak potency. Refrigerate tinctures once opened.

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Adder's Tongue

Ophioglossum vulgatumfam. Ophioglossaceae

Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →

edibleshrubsedible leafshade tolerantnative amedible

Updated7 July 2026·Quick Q&A →

Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder's Tongue) — botanical photograph

Pl. 855F — Ophioglossum vulgatum

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Overview

Adder's Tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum) is a distinctive fern found in diverse habitats across Europe, Asia, and North America. Native to regions such as Albania, Austria, and parts of the United States including Alabama and Arkansas, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to heavy soil. Its leaves are edible and can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Adder's Tongue prefers a pH range of 7–7.5 and grows best in hardiness zones 4-8, reaching heights of about 0.3 meters. This fern is known for its unique form, often described as resembling an adder's tongue, making it both ornamental and interesting to observe in gardens or natural settings.

Quick answers

What is Adder's Tongue?

Full Q&A reference →

Compare with:Botrychium ternatum→Parsley Fern→all comparisons →

Growingconditions · propagation · uses

Cultivation

Adder's Tongue prefers moist conditions and thrives in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7 to 7.5. It requires partial shade to full sunlight, with a light requirement of 7 out of 10. The plant is hardy in temperate regions within zones 4-8 and grows to about 0.3 meters tall. For propagation, divide the rhizomes or sow spores in spring. Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season for best results.

Light

7/10

Water

Moist

Soil

Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)

Hardiness

4-8

Mature size

0.3 m tall

Soil pH

7–7.5

Seasonal calendar

Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September

winterspringsummerautumnwinter

BloomJFMAMJJASOND

For first-time growers

How to grow Adder's Tongue for the first time

8steps

Start with Adder's Tongue as a simple, low-maintenance plant for your beginner garden.

1
What you'll need
Adder's Tongue plants or rhizomes, potting soil suitable for moisture retention, and containers with drainage holes.
2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix with a pH of 7-7.5, ensuring containers have adequate drainage holes.
4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant rhizomes directly into the soil at a depth of about 2 cm, spacing them 10-15 cm apart.
5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and place the container in partial shade to avoid direct sunlight.
6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to maintain moisture levels but avoid overwatering. Provide light shade during hot summer months.
7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to keep the plant looking tidy, but do not harvest edible parts as they are not commonly used.
8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, and neglecting to provide adequate drainage.

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves

Edible uses: The adder's tongue plant is edible and its leaves are typically consumed raw or lightly cooked. The leaves have a moist texture and work well in salads or as a garnish. They can also be steamed briefly to enhance their flavor. Skip the deep cooking, as it may alter the delicate taste.

Contextrange · companions · related

VII

Distribution

30 native · 0 introduced

Distribution across3 continents· 30 native

Europe10 regions

native (10)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceRussia

Asia1 region

native (1)China

Africa3 regions

native (3)AlgeriaBurundiEthiopia

Broader regions

native:Altay, Argentina South, Arizona, Arkansas, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Cape Provinces, Chile South, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, District of Columbia, Free State

Specimen gallery

1 image

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Companion planting

Adder's Tongue companions →

Compare with similar plants

vs Botrychium ternatum vs Parsley Fern

Growing zone

USDA zone 4-8

XII

About this entry

Last updated: 7 July 2026
Citation: How to cite this entry · Submit a correction

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Adder's Tongue

Overview

What is Adder's Tongue?

Cultivation

How to grow Adder's Tongue for the first time

What you'll need

Best time to plant

Soil and container prep

Sowing or transplanting

First two weeks

Ongoing care

Harvest or pruning

Common mistakes