Eleutherococcus spinosus

Physical Characteristics

Eleutherococcus spinosus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, C. Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Leaves and young budlings - cooked[46, 61, 105, 116, 177]. The dried leaves are a tea substitute[105, 177]. Although we have no record of the seed being edible, it is said to contain 5.6 - 30.6% protein, 5.6 - 36.6% fat and 2.1 - 3.5% ash[218].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Tonic The cortex of the root is tonic and analgesic. It is used to treat general debility, rheumatic pains and many other complaints[178, 218]. A wine made from the root is considered to be a general tonic for restoring vigour and restoring sexual potency[218].

Known Hazards

None known