Hedging Eleutherococcus, Fiveleaf aralia
Eleutherococcus sieboldianus

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 3 m high. It spreads 2.5 m wide. The branches are slender and arching. The flowers are greenish-white and occur in single heads. The fruit are black and 8 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on well drained poor soil in the sun. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, China, Europe, Japan, Korea

How it is used for food

The young leaves are boiled and eaten. The leaves are also used as a tea substitute. A liqueur is brewed from the plant.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ukogi, Wu-chia

Synonyms

Acanthopanax sieboldianus Makino; and others