Sweet Leaf (Symplocos tinctoria)

Family: Symplocaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Symplocos tinctoria is an evergreen Shrub growing to 8 m (26ft 3in). It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant sweet smell and taste. — Thick and downy, they have a pleasant sweet smell and taste.; Chewed for their pleasantly sweet, slightly acid flavour that is refreshing and helps to ease thirst.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods, swamps and bottomlands. Rich moist soils, often in the shade of dense forests. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)