Celastrus flagellaris
Family: Celastraceae
What it is like
Celastrus flagellaris is a deciduous Climber growing to 7.5 m (24ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. 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.
Height (m): 7.5
Where it is found
Mountains in S. Japan. Valley, forest on riverside, thickets and sunny slopes in China.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Many plants in this genus contain compounds of interest for their antitumour activity.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a deep loamy soil. A gross feeder, it requires a rich soil. A rampant climber, it requires ample space and is best grown into an old tree. Fruits best when its top growth is in a sunny position. Plants climb by means of twining and by hooked prickles. They do not normally require pruning. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: Seed - gather when ripe, store in dry sand and sow February in a warm greenhouse. Three months cold stratification leads to a higher germination rate. Remove the aril since this inhibits germination. Germination rates are usually good. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Layering in August of the current seasons growth. Takes 12 months. Root cuttings, 6mm thick 25mm long in December. Plant horizontally in pots in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist