Culinary Herb
Cryptotaenia, Genus, japonica, Species,
- Genus & species
Japanese parsley (mitsuba)
Overview
Cryptotaenia japonica is a clump-forming, short-lived perennial herb that grows 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall and 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide, with hollow, branched stems. Leaves are trifoliate, with ovate, coarsely toothed leaflets 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long on stalks 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, and are bright green to bronze-green, with bronze-purple forms in cultivation. The flavor is a mix of parsley, celery, and sorrel notes. Flowers are small, white, 0.12 inch (3 mm) across, in loose, open umbels in early summer. Fruits are narrow, ridged schizocarps 0.2–0.3 inch (5–8 mm) long. The plant grows in shade, and seeds germinate readily around the parent plant, forming colonies. It is hardy in USDA zones 4–9, and leaves are damaged by hard frost. Heat above 85°F (29°C) and dry soil cause leaf yellowing and bolting.
Native Range
Cryptotaenia japonica is native to Japan, Korea, and China, where it grows in moist woodland, along shaded stream banks, and in damp thickets. It has naturalized in parts of eastern North America.Suggested Uses
Cryptotaenia japonica is grown as a leaf and stalk herb in Japanese cooking, used in soups, salads, and as a garnish, and as a woodland groundcover in shaded gardens. Spacing of 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) between plants fills a bed in one season.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Cryptotaenia japonica blooms in early summer, typically June to July, with umbels lasting 3–4 weeks. Flowers are visited by small bees and flies. Seeds ripen in late summer and self-sow.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bright green to bronze-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Cryptotaenia japonica grows in part shade to full shade, with 2–4 hours of direct light, in rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil of pH 6.0–7.0. Plants need 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water weekly, and leaves wilt quickly in dry soil. Hardiness is USDA zones 4–9. Seeds are sown in spring or fall and germinate in 2–3 weeks at 60–70°F (16–21°C). Plants are spaced 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) apart. Slugs feed on young leaves, and self-sown seedlings are removed to limit spread.Pruning
No structural pruning is needed. Leaf stalks are harvested by cutting at the base, with up to one-third of the foliage removed per harvest. Flower stalks are cut before seed ripens in late summer to limit self-seeding, and plants regrow new leaves within 3–4 weeks.Pruning Schedule
Prune: August
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
