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Common Name: Ukogi

General Information

Eleutherococcus sieboldianus is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitat

Escaped from cultivation in Japan, where it grows wild in calcareous soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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[]. Thrives in sun or shade according to another report. Tolerates urban pollution and poor soils[].
Plants are hardy to at least -15°c if they are sheltered from cold winds[].
Cultivated as a medicinal and culinary plant in Japan[], there are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked[, , ]. A delicious somewhat fragrant flavour[, ].
The dried leaves are a tea substitute[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The plant is used as a hedge[].

Propagation

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, mid summer 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[].