Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Sophora flavescens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Scrub on mountain slopes, river valleys, especially on sandy soils. Grassy places in lowland and waste ground, C. and S. Japan. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)