Vitis ficifolia (Vitis thunbergii)

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

Vitis thunbergii is a deciduous Climber growing to 5 m (16ft 5in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant flavour. — Fruit - raw or dried for winter use.; The fruit is about 9mm in diameter and is borne in bunches.; Young leaves - cooked.; The young leaves are also wrapped around other foods and then baked, they impart a pleasant flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Thickets in hills and mountains all over Japan. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)