Sessiliflorus Eleutherococcus (Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus)

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

Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to August. 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, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - raw or cooked and used as a vegetable. Old leaves are dried and used as a tea substitute. A wine is made from the bark. It is highly fancied by the Chinese. It is probably used mainly for medicinal purposes. — Young leaves - raw or cooked and used as a vegetable.; Old leaves are dried and used as a tea substitute.; A wine is made from the bark.; It is highly fancied by the Chinese.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist woods, wooded riverbanks, forest edges and clearings. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)