Divaricatus Eleutherococcus (Eleutherococcus divaricatus)

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

Eleutherococcus divaricatus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. They are parboiled, then dried and used as a winter vegetable. The leaves are used as a condiment. The dried leaves are a tea substitute. — They are parboiled, then dried and used as a winter vegetable.; The leaves are used as a condiment.; The dried leaves are a tea substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

A rather rare plant, growing in the mountains all over Japan. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)