Magnolia Vine (Schisandra chinensis)

Family: Schisandraceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Schisandra chinensis is a deciduous Climber growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. 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). .

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in sugars, it has a sweet/sour flavour. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Usually dried and used on journeys, it is very sustaining.; Rich in sugars, it has a sweet/sour flavour.; In Russia a paste made from the fruit is mixed with Actinidia arguta in order to counteract the insufficient acidity of that species.

Habitat & North American Range

Mixed forests, especially on the margins, also by streams and brooks, usually on sandy soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)