Japonicus Eleutherococcus (Eleutherococcus japonicus)

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

Eleutherococcus japonicus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). It is in flower in May. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

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

Rather common in the hills and mountains of Honshu and Kyushu. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)