Taka-No-Tsume
Eleutherococcus innovans

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

Eleutherococcus innovans is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 6

Where it is found

Common in hills and mountains all over Japan.

E. Asia - Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked. A famine food, it is only used in times of scarcity.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a humus-rich well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates poor soils and atmospheric pollution. Requires shelter from cold north and east winds. Plants are hardy to between -10 and -15°c.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame or greenhouse. Sow stored seed in late winter in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Root cuttings in late winter in a greenhouse. Division of suckers in the dormant season.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Acanthopanax innovans. Euodiopanax innovans. (Sieb.&Zucc.)Nakai. Panax innovans.