Eleutherococcus trifoliatus

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

Eleutherococcus trifoliatus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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.

Height (m): 6

Where it is found

Thickets. Mountainous areas in Vietnam, occasionally on the edges of forests.

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The root bark and stem bark contain triterpenoid saponinsand oleanolic acid.They are used in the treatment of rheumatism, lumbago, ostealgia and impotence. The bark is also considered to be a stimulant and tonic for the central nervous system and to improve the memory. The bark is collected in the summer and autumn, wrapped to bring out the aroma and then thoroughly dried. The plant is used in the treatment of colds, coughs, neuralgia, rheumatism and water on the knee.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Infertility: Used in treating problems of human fertility.

Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a light warm open loamy humus-rich soil and a position sheltered from north and east winds. Prefers a well-drained soil and full sun. Tolerates urban pollution and poor soils. All parts of the plant are particularly fragrant. Plants are hardy to between -10 and -15°c if they are sheltered from cold winds.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It can be slow to germinate. Stored seed requires 6 months warm followed by 3 months cold stratification and can be very slow to germinate. 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. Cuttings of ripe wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 30cm long in a cold frame. Root cuttings in late winter. Division of suckers in the dormant season.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Acanthopanax trifoliatus.