Soap Tree (Gymnocladus chinensis)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Gymnocladus chinensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Plains and foothills to 1200 metres. (Zone 8)