Cryptotaenia

( krip - toh - TYE - nee - ah )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus, commonly called Honewort, includes seven species of herbaceous perennial plants that are native to North America, Africa, and eastern Asia. They typically prefer to grow in moist, shaded places, and do well in shade or woodland gardens. Honewort is edible; its leaves and young stems are used similarly to Parsley or Chervil, and the roots and seeds can also be used in culinary applications. Grow Cryptotaenia in shaded herb gardens, as members of woodland edible gardens, or simply as ferny ornamentals in mixed beds and borders. Take care when consuming these plants, as some individuals are allergic to species in the Apiaceae family, including Honewort. Plant contact can also cause dermatitis.

Cryptotaenia Species and Varietals

The genus Cryptotaenia is the type genus member of the plant family Apiaceae, and includes sixteen distinct species. Cryptaenia plants do well in almost all zones, as long as they receive protection from direct sun. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Cryptotaenia canadensis (Canadian Honewort)
Native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, this species produces edible leaves and stems, which are typically used similar to Parsley and can also be boiled. Roots are similar to Parsnip, and can be cooked and eaten, as well. Individual plants reach up to 1-3 feet tall and 2 feet wide when mature and in bloom. This species is considered invasive on the Hawaiian Islands.

Cryptotaenia elegans (Parsley of Monteverde, Perejil de Monteverde, Japanese Honewort)
This species is native to the Canary Islands, and is processed in similar culinary ways to the other species in the genus. Foliage and stems are green and flowers are white. Individual plants reach up to over 4 feet tall and just as wide.

Cryptotaenia japonica (Mitsuba, Japanese Wild Parsley, Japanese Hornwort, Stone Parsley, White Chervil, Mountain Celery, Mitsu-ba)
This species is native Japan, Korea, and China. The entire plant is edible, and is commonly used as a garnish and root vegetable in Asian countries. Individual plants reach up to 40 inches tall when mature and in bloom, and produce white flowers in spring and summertime. Subspecies atropurpurea produces dark reddish-purple foliage. Cultivar 'Nana' is a compact variety, and 'Nana Aurea' produces golden-colored foliage.

Caring for Cryptotaenia

Take care when consuming these plants, as some individuals are allergic to species in the Apiaceae family, including Honewort. Plant contact can also cause dermatitis. Cryptotaenia, or Honewort, plants are typically grown from seed, though they can also be purchased as starts or seedlings from a reputable nursery. These plants prefer a space in the garden that is sheltered from direct sun; they are naturally woodland plants that receive dappled sunshine. Ensure that soil is well-draining, fertile, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. Once established, these woodland plants appreciate consistently moist soil. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. If you will be collecting seeds for propagation, make sure to leave some flowering heads on plants to mature. These plants are short-lived perennials that are commonly grown as annuals, harvested each year and then composted.

Harvesting Cryptotaenia
Cryptotaenia, or Honewort, is known as an edible forage plant, and is intentionally cultivated around the world for its leaves and roots. Leaves are harvested throughout the growing season, and are added to salads or soups, and can also be used as garnish. As a general rule, never harvest more than 1/3 of the plant at any time to maintain good ongoing health. The roots of Honewort plants are used similarly to Parsnips, and are typically harvested in fall after the above-ground foliage has died back and been cut to the base of the plant, or in springtime before new growth begins for the year. To harvest, carefully dig up roots beginning at the outside of the plant to avoid damaging them. Roots are fairly long, and can have multiple segments, so take your time and be patient. After the roots are out of the ground, brush off any dirt and debris, and rinse them off. After a thorough cleaning, they can be processed by removing the skin, and then roasted, boiled, or added to soups and stews. Avoid consuming large quantities of Honewort roots or foliage, as doing so can cause digestive upset.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Cryptotaenia, or Honewort, is best propagated by harvesting and sowing seeds. These plants will re-seed freely in the landscape if not deadheaded, and volunteer seedlings can be dug up and transplanted elsewhere, if desired. For instructions on how to intentionally propagate your Honewort plants, follow the directions below:

Propagating Cryptotaenia by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Cryptotaenia seed heads form after flowers have faded.

Cryptotaenia seeds are light brown, curved, and slender.

Problems and Pests

Cryptotaenia plants can be considered pests in some areas of the world; see the species descriptions above for moe information. Check with local authorities before planting. Cryptotaenia plants are typically pest and disease free, though they can suffer from time to time from the following: