Tuhu (Coriaria sarmentosa)

Family: Coriariaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Coriaria sarmentosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or used as a beverage. The pressed fruit is drunk raw or fermented into a wine. — Fruit - raw or used as a beverage.; The pressed fruit is drunk raw or fermented into a wine.; Use with great caution since most parts of the plant, including the seed, are very toxic and some reports suggest the fruit should not be used at all.

Habitat & North American Range

Open places, especially on debris slopes, from the coast to the upper montane areas on North, South and Stewart Islands. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)