Spinosus Eleutherococcus (Eleutherococcus spinosus)

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

Eleutherococcus spinosus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). 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, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves and young budlings - cooked. The dried leaves are a tea substitute. Although we have no record of the seed being edible, it is said to contain 5.6 - 30.6% protein, 5.6 - 36.6% fat and 2.1 - 3.5% ash. — Leaves and young budlings - cooked.; The dried leaves are a tea substitute.; Although we have no record of the seed being edible, it is said to contain 5.6 - 30.6% protein, 5.6 - 36.6% fat and 2.1 - 3.5% ash.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)