Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ F358medicinal · edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOeditorially reviewedreviewed 21 Oct 2026methodology → read
Home/Plants/Ranunculaceae

Mao Gen

Ranunculus japonicusfam. Ranunculaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
medicinaledibleperennialedibleedible leafmedicinalnative asiaperennial
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Ranunculus japonicus (Mao Gen) — botanical photograph
Pl. F358 — Ranunculus japonicus
Ranunculus japonicusRanunculus japonicusRanunculus japonicusRanunculus japonicusRanunculus japonicusRanunculus japonicusRanunculus japonicusRanunculus japonicusRanunculus japonicusRanunculus japonicusRanunculus japonicusRanunculus japonicusRanunculus japonicusRanunculus japonicus
I

Overview

Mao Gen, scientifically known as Ranunculus japonicus and belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, Buryatiya, China North-Central, China South-Central, and China Southeast. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light or partial sun exposure and can be found growing in various soil types such as light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Known for its edible leaves, Mao Gen is often prepared in salads for its mild flavor or steamed as a side dish. However, it is important to avoid deep-frying the leaves to prevent potential toxicity from the plant's toxic compounds. In addition to its culinary uses, Mao Gen is recognized for its medicinal properties, making it a valuable resource in traditional medicine. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow up to 0.1 meters tall, contributing to its ornamental appeal while also serving practical purposes in both culinary and therapeutic applications. While hardy in temperate regions, Mao Gen thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil. It can be propagated through division of the roots, and maintaining consistent moisture is key for optimal growth.

Quick answers

What is Mao Gen?

Mao Gen, scientifically known as Ranunculus japonicus and belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, Buryatiya, China North-Central, China South-Central, and China Southeast.

Compare with:Aconitum koreanum→Aconitum multifidum→Aconitum rotundifolium→all comparisons →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Skin Soothe
skin
tincture
Historically used for skin irritations.
Stress Relief
stress
tea
Traditionally used to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Mao Gen (Ranunculus japonicus) thrives in full to partial sun, preferring moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial plant, which can grow to a height of 0.1 meters, is hardy in temperate regions and is native to areas including Amur, Buryatiya, and parts of China. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist, and provide ample sunlight or partial shade. Propagation can be done through division or seed sowing. Harvest the edible leaves for use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Mao Gen for the first time

7steps

Start with basic care for Mao Gen, focusing on simple soil preparation and light watering.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small container or garden bed, quality potting mix if planting in a container.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring when the ground is moist but not waterlogged.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, ensuring it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants from nursery pots into your prepared container or garden bed.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water sparingly to avoid waterlogging but ensure the soil stays moist. Keep in a partially shaded area.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun to partial shade, keep the soil consistently moist, and mulch around the base for moisture retention.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves and stems after flowering to maintain plant health and appearance.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Mao Gen (Ranunculus japonicus) are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often prepared in salads for their mild flavor or steamed as a side dish. Skip the deep-frying to avoid potential toxicity from the plant's toxic compounds.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

20 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 20 native
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanLaosSouth KoreaTaiwan
Broader regions
native:Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Nansei-shoto, Primorye, Sakhalin, Tuva, Yakutskiya
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Ranunculus japonicus (Mao Gen) — botanical photograph
Mao Gen (Ranunculus japonicus)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · f3583bb7-11cb-48e4-a3ac-e6be3972385b
Decision aid
Choosing between Mao Gen and something else?
Compare with another plant

Continue reading

❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes