Coriaria ruscifolia

Physical Characteristics

Coriaria ruscifolia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southern S. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or used as a beverage[11, 46, 61, 105, 153]. The pressed fruit yields a very palatable juice, which is drunk raw or fermented into wine[2]. Use with great caution since most parts of the plant, including the seed[173], are very toxic and some reports suggest the fruit should not be used at all[11].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant, except the 'fruit' (actually the petals) are highly poisonous[61, 153, 173].