Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)

Family: Celastraceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Celastrus orbiculatus is a deciduous Climber growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from November to February. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. — Young leaves - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Thickets on grassy slopes in lowland and mountains all over Japan. Forest edges in China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)