Coriaria sinica

Physical Characteristics

Coriaria sinica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or used as a beverage[11]. As pleasant as bilberries[177]. Use with great caution since most parts of the plant, including the seed[177], are probably very toxic and some reports suggest the fruit should not be used at all[11]. The roots are antirheumatic[218]. The plant is hallucinatory in small quantities[218].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antiphlogistic Antirheumatic Depurative Febrifuge Hallucinogenic Poultice Vermifuge Vulnerary The leaves are anodyne, antiphlogistic, febrifuge, depurative, poultice and vermifuge[147, 218].

Known Hazards

The seed is poisonous[1, 11] and so are the leaves[218]. Although we have no more information, it is reasonable to assume that all other parts of the plant are also toxic.