Mitsuba Cryptotaenia japonica
Mitsuba (Cryptotaenia japonica) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Apiaceae family, native to Japan, Korea and China (damp woodland). It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Mitsuba in your garden →
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Mitsuba at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 27 °C (81 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, leaf stalks, blanched shoots |
| Native to | Japan, Korea and China (damp woodland) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Mitsuba toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Culinary herb; not documented as toxic, pet effects are not well recorded.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Mitsuba
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Mitsuba
- How far apart should I plant Mitsuba?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Mitsuba need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mitsuba need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Mitsuba?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Mitsuba flower?
- From about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mitsuba poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Culinary herb; not documented as toxic, pet effects are not well recorded.
- What grows well with Mitsuba?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mitsuba. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Prefers moist shade; naturalised and self-seeding in parts of eastern North America.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Parsnip Pastinaca sativa
- Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
- Florence fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum