Chinese Helwingia (Helwingia chinensis)

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

Helwingia chinensis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from August to 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The flowers and leaves might be edible. — The flowers and leaves might be edible.

Habitat & North American Range

Thickets, 1300 - 2300 metres in W. Szechwan. Mixed woods and thickets on slopes, broad-leaved forests, at elevations of 1000 - 2600 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)