This short-lived monocarpic plant (often biennial) is widespread in eastern North America, usually growing in riparian woods or adjacent toeslopes (Hawkins et al. 2005). In Ky. it is generally common, but it has generally been grazed out of farmland (as well as associated plants like Amphicarpaea). It is closely related to C. japonica Hassk., which is cultivated in Japan for food, but the edible potential of canadensis has received rather little attention (Duke 2000). The chemistry of Cryptotaenia includes diverse polyacetylenes, monoterpernoids, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids and alcohols (Kami et al. 1969, Li et al. 2006, Cheng et al. 2008). Origin of the common name "honewort" for Cryptotaena remains mysterious--does consumption of this plant "hone" one's health or vigor in transition from spring to summer? C. canadensis and Perideridia americana are the only eastern Apiaceae with chromosome numbers based on n = 10 (Cr).