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Common Name:

General Information

Sorbaria sorbifolia is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 1.80 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

The leaves and flowers contain cyanogenic glycosides. When injested, these compounds break down in the digestive tract to release cyanide. Used in small quantities in both traditional and conventional medicine, this exceedingly poisonous compound has been shown to stimulate respiration, improve digestion, and promote a sense of well-being[]. It is also claimed by some to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer - though this claim has been largely refuted.
In larger concentrations, however, cyanide can cause gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma and respiratory failure leading to death[].
The levels of toxin can be detected by the level of bitterness:- sweet almonds, for example, contain only very low levels of it and are safe to eat in quantity, whilst bitter almonds (which are used as a flavouring in foods such as marzipan) contain much higher levels and should only be eaten in very small quantities. Great caution should be employed if the taste is moderately to very bitter[].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Siberia.

Habitat

In sparse forests at elevations of 250 - 1500 metres in northern China[]. A garden escape in N. America where it grows in wasteland and copses[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.80 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a rich moist soil[], but succeeds in any soil of good quality in full sunshine[]. Tolerates dappled shade[] but prefers a sunny position[]. Requires protection from strong winds[]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[].
A freely suckering shrub forming low thickets, it grows well in light woodland[, ]. Make sure you have the space for this plant since it can become invasive[].
The flowers are generous with their sweet perfume whatever the weather[]. They hold their fragrance for a considerable time[].

Edible Uses

Budlings and leaves - cooked[]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

The stems contain various medicinally active compounds that have cytotoxic properties and are of potential use in the treatment of cancer[].
The plant has also been shown to have antioxidant properties[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise in late winter. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division of suckers in the dormant season[].
Root cuttings in late winter[].