Taka-No-Tsume (Eleutherococcus innovans)

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

Eleutherococcus innovans is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. A famine food, it is only used in times of scarcity. — Young leaves - cooked.; A famine food, it is only used in times of scarcity.

Habitat & North American Range

Common in hills and mountains all over Japan. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)