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Coriaria sinica - Maxim.

Common Name
Family Coriariaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards The seed is poisonous[1, 11] and so are the leaves[218]. Although we have no more information, it is reasonable to assume that all other parts of the plant are also toxic.
Habitats Grassy hills and river valleys to 1500 metres. Occasionally found at higher elevations in stony and arid areas[109].
Range E. Asia - China.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Coriaria sinica


Coriaria sinica

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Coriaria sinica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained 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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or used as a beverage[11]. As pleasant as bilberries[177]. Use with great caution since most parts of the plant, including the seed[177], are probably very toxic and some reports suggest the fruit should not be used at all[11]. The roots are antirheumatic[218]. The plant is hallucinatory in small quantities[218].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anodyne  Antiphlogistic  Antirheumatic  Depurative  Febrifuge  Hallucinogenic  Poultice  Vermifuge  
Vulnerary

The leaves are anodyne, antiphlogistic, febrifuge, depurative, poultice and vermifuge[147, 218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a fairly good loamy soil in a sunny sheltered position[11, 164, 200]. Succeeds in light shade[200] This species is not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c though it can resprout from the base if cut back by the cold[200]. This new growth does not flower in its first year[182]. The roots of plants in this genus bear nitrogen-fixing nodules[218]. Whilst much of the nitrogen will be utilized by the growing plant, some of it will become available for other plants growing nearby[K].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - sow February/March in a greenhouse[78]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[164]. 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, 7cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Fair percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Coriaria microphylla Shrub1.2 7-10  LMHSNM013
Coriaria myrtifoliaRedoulShrub1.8 7-10  LMHSNM003
Coriaria napalensisMasuri BerryShrub2.5 7-10  LMHSNM212
Coriaria ruscifolia Shrub1.0 7-10  LMHNM202
Coriaria sarmentosaTuhuShrub1.0 7-10  LMHNM202
Coriaria terminalis Shrub1.2 7-10  LMHSNM20 
Rhus coriariaElm-Leaved Sumach, Sicilian sumacShrub3.0 8-11  LMHNDM212

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Maxim.

Botanical References

11109200

Links / References

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Subject : Coriaria sinica  
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