Onychium japonicum

RHS Plant Profile
carrot fern

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carrot fern James Lawrence

Other common names

claw fern

Ferns
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A clump-forming, deciduous fern to around 45cm high with wiry, black stems bearing upright to arching, feathery-looking fronds comprising leaflets divided up to three times

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Far East

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in dappled shade; may not be hardy in colder areas so provide a winter mulch or move container-grown plants inside. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or from spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds as needed

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free