Christ's Thorn (Paliurus spina-christi)

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

Paliurus spina-christi is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant sub-acid taste, somewhat resembling dried apples. — Fruit - raw or dried for later use.; A pleasant sub-acid taste, somewhat resembling dried apples.; The woody fruit is up to 30mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Hedges, roadsides and thickets, in maquis and garigue on dry sandy hills to 3000 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)