Japanese Helwingia (Helwingia japonica)

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

Helwingia japonica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is 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

Young leaves - cooked with rice or boiled as a potherb. The young flowers and young shoots are also eaten. — Young leaves - cooked with rice or boiled as a potherb.; The young flowers and young shoots are also eaten.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods and thickets in hills and low mountains of Japan. Moist rich soil in woods, thickets, valleys, streamsides and roadsides at elevations of 100 - 3400 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)