Oil Nut (Pyrularia pubera)

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

Pyrularia pubera is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from May to June. 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: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit. Caution is advised since the fruit is said to be permeated with an acrid oil. The pear-shaped fruit is about 25mm long. An edible oil is obtained from the seed. Is this different from the acrid poisonous oil of the fruit? — Caution is advised since the fruit is said to be permeated with an acrid oil.; The pear-shaped fruit is about 25mm long.; An edible oil is obtained from the seed.; Is this different from the acrid poisonous oil of the fruit?.

Habitat & North American Range

Rich woods, where it is parasitic on the roots of deciduous trees and shrubs, most commonly on Tsuga carolina. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)