Is Adder's tongue fern edible?

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

How should Adder's tongue fern be stored?

Dried Adder's tongue fern 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 fern

Ophioglossum reticulatum

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 →

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Updated7 July 2026·Quick Q&A →

Ophioglossum reticulatum (Adder's tongue fern) — botanical photograph

Pl. FE49 — Ophioglossum reticulatum

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Prezentare

Ferună ophioglossum (Ophioglossum reticulatum) este un membru unic al familiei Ophioglossaceae, cunoscută pentru sporofitul său de forma frondului și frunzelele sale delicate, adesea pale. Nativ într-un amplu spectru de zone din Asia, Africa, America Centrală, America de Sud, și unele părți din Europa, această ferună se dezvoltă în mediile umide cu exponență parțială la soare sau umbrit. Se găsește în soluri legături sărace și mijlocii și poate tolera zonele de durabilitate 10-12. Plantul atinge o înălțime de aproximativ 0,2 m și este notabil pentru frunzele sale comestibile, făcându-l valoare atât ca ornemental, cât și ca surse de aliment la anumite regiuni.

Quick answers

What is Adder's tongue fern?

Ferună ophioglossum (Ophioglossum reticulatum) este un membru unic al familiei Ophioglossaceae, cunoscută pentru sporofitul său de forma frondului și frunzelele sale delicate, adesea pale.

Full Q&A reference →

Growingconditions · propagation · uses

Cultivare

Ferună ophioglossum (Ophioglossum reticulatum) se dezvoltă în condiții umide până la bogate și preferă exponența parțială la soare sau expozitie completă la soare. Crește cel mai bine în soluri legături sărace sau mijlocii. Plantul este durabil în zonele 10-12, făcându-l potrivit pentru climile mai calde. Pentru propagația, diviziunea rizomelor poate fi eficientă. Frunzele comestibile se pot recolta când este nevoie.

Light

Full sun, Partial sun/shade

Water

Moist, Wet

Soil

Light (sandy), Medium

Hardiness

10-12

Habit

Forb/herb

Mature size

0.2 m tall

For first-time growers

How to grow Adder's tongue fern for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple setup for Adder's tongue fern, focusing on basic care and observation.

1
What you'll need
A small pot, well-draining soil, and the Adder's tongue fern plant.
2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are mild and stable.
3
Soil and container prep
Use a light, sandy or medium-textured soil. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the fern from its nursery pot into your prepared container.
5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and place in a partially shaded area to acclimate.
6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun or shade, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
7
Harvest or pruning
No need for harvesting; focus on maintaining healthy growth through regular watering and light adjustments.
8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, placing in full sun, using heavy soils without drainage.

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves

Edible uses: The adder's tongue fern, Ophioglossum reticulatum, is edible and its leaves can be consumed. Typically, the young leaves are gathered and prepared in various ways—raw or cooked. They can also be dried for later use. However, detailed recipes are not available from the given data.

Contextrange · companions · related

VII

Distribuție

30 native · 0 introduced

Distribution across4 continents· 30 native

Asia4 regions

native (4)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndia

Americas6 regions

native (6)BoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaEcuadorEl Salvador

Africa7 regions

native (7)BurundiCabo VerdeCameroonChadComorosEquatorial GuineaEthiopia

Oceania1 region

native (1)Fiji

Broader regions

native:Argentina Northwest, Borneo, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Cape Provinces, Caroline Is., Central African Repu, East Himalaya

Specimen gallery

1 image

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Companion planting

Adder's tongue fern companions →

Growing zone

USDA zone 10-12

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 fern

Prezentare

What is Adder's tongue fern?

Cultivare

How to grow Adder's tongue fern 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