Photo of Cryptotaenia canadensis flower, foliage by Fritz Flohr Reynolds

Photo by Fritz Flohr Reynolds

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Cryptotaenia canadensis

Also Known As

  • Canadian Honewort
  • Wild Chervil

Plant type

perennial, herb

size

  • H: 12"-24"
  • W: 12"-24"

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Cryptotaenia canadensis plant details

Cryptotaenia canadensis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial herb with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cryptotaenia canadensis

Plant type: perennial herb
Plant family: apiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: easy-to-grow, edible, self-sowing, spreading, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cryptotaenia canadensis

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

According to Dr. Allen's Edible Plants of the Gulf South, Wild Chervil or Honewort is an easy to grow, native, tuberous rooted perennial whose leaves, stems, and flowers are useful fresh in salads or can be cooked as a green, the tuberous roots can be used as a starch, and the seeds can be used as a spice. Grow it as a loose groundcover in shade to partial shade in a moist, but not soggy soil, preferably rich in organic matter. A host for the Eastern Black Swallowtail butterfly. This interesting member of the carrot family or Apiaceae is native to much of the eastern and central US with distribution extending well into Canada. May reseed under good conditions and will slowly develop into a mass of plants.

Gardening facts about Cryptotaenia canadensis plant

How to Grow Cryptotaenia canadensis

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Special Situation

    • humidity tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular

Features

  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
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