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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves and young budlings - cooked[1][2][3][4][5].

The dried leaves are a tea substitute[3][5].

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[6].

Leaves

Unknown part

Tea

Material uses

Plants can be used as a hedge[7].
There are no material uses listed for Eleutherococcus spinosus.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The cortex of the root is tonic and analgesic. It is used to treat general debility, rheumatic pains and many other complaints[8][6]. A wine made from the root is considered to be a general tonic for restoring vigour and restoring sexual potency[6].

Unknown part

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame[7]. It can be slow to germinate. Stored seed requires 6 months warm followed by 3 months cold stratification[9] and can be very slow to germinate[10]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for at least the first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[9][7]. Cuttings of ripe wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 30cm long in a cold frame[11]. Root cuttings in late winter[7].

Division of suckers in the dormant season[7].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Eleutherococcus spinosus. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a light warm open loamy humus-rich soil and a position sheltered from north and east winds[12][7]. Prefers a well-drained soil and full sun[7]. Tolerates urban pollution and poor soils[7].

Plants are hardy to at least -15°c if they are sheltered from cold winds[7]. Considered to be a part of E. sieboldianus by some botanists, but this species has smaller leaves[7]. It is closely related to and often confused with E. divaricatus[7].

There is a spineless form of this species, known as Eleutherococcus spinosus inermis (Makino) H. Ohashi[13].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Eleutherococcus spinosus. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Eleutherococcus spinosus.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Eleutherococcus spinosus
Genus
Eleutherococcus
Family
Araliaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
4
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    3 x meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Oriental Herbs and Vegetables, Vol 39 No. 2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden (1986-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.4 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    7. ? 7.007.017.027.037.047.057.067.077.087.097.107.117.12 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
    9. ? 9.09.1 Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
    10. ? Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. (1987-00-00)
    11. ? Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    12. ? Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 www.foj.info Flora of Japan ()