We depend on donations from users of our database of over 8000 edible and useful plants to keep making it available free of charge and to further extend and improve it. In recent months donations are down, and we are spending more than we receive. Please give what you can to keep PFAF properly funded. More >>>

Follow Us:

 

Back to Key. Next (A-B).. (C).. (D-E).. (F-G).. (H-K).. (L-O).. (P).. (Q-R).. (S-T).. (U-Z).

Edible Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Britain (Temperate): S - T

See map here for World temperate areas

CL. Climber     D. Deciduous     E. Evergreen
SH. Shrub       T. Tree


Type BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME EDIBLE PARTS NOTES
D.T. Salix daphnoides   Inner bark, young flowering shoots Most soils. Dioecious
D.T. Salix alba White Willow Leaves, inner bark Rich soil. Dioecious
  Salix alba is only used for food in times of scarcity. The following species have also been used: S. babylonica, S. bakko, S. chaenomeloides, S. gracilistyla, S. japonica and S. nipponica
D.SH. Sambucus nigra Elder Flowers, fruit Most soils and positions
  Other species include S. caerulea, S. callicarpa, S. canadensis, S. melanocarpa, S. pubens and S. racemosa
D.SH. Sarcobatus vermiculatus Greasewood Seed, twigs Most soils
D.T. Sassafras albidum Sassafras Leaves, bark and fruit - a condiment Deep fertile soil, sheltered position. Dioecious
E.SH. Satureja montana Winter Savoury Leaves, a flavouring Well-drained poor stony soil
D.CL. Schisandra chinensis   Fruit, young leaves Rich soil
  Other species with edible fruits include S. grandiflora, S. henryi and S. repanda
D.SH. Shepherdia argentea Buffalo Berry Fruit Well-drained moist soil
D.SH. Shepherdia canadensis   Fruit - rarely borne Most well-drained soils
D.CL. Sinofranchetia chinensis   Fruit Most soils
D.CL. Sinomenium acutum   Root, leaves Most soils
E.CL. Smilax aspera Sarsaparilla Root - used in soft drinks. Shoots Very mild areas only. Any soil. Dioecious
D.CL. Smilax bona-nox   Root, young shoots Any soil. Dioecious
D.CL. Smilax china China Root Root, young shoots, fruit Any soil. Dioecious
  Other species with similar uses include S. hispida, S. laurifolia, S. pseudo-china and S. rotundifolia
E.SH. Solanum aviculare Kangaroo Apple Fruit Very mild areas. Any soil
D.T. Sorbus aria Whitebeam Fruit - bletted Sunny position. Most soils
D.T. Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Fruit The variety Edulis is best. Most soils in cool position. Very wind resistant
D.T. Sorbus domestica Service Tree Fruit - bletted Sunny position. Well-drained soil
  Other species worth trying include S. americana, S. commixta, S. devoniensis, S. gracilis, S. hybrida, S. intermedia, S. lanata, S. mougeotii, S. sambucifolia and S. torminalis
E.CL. Stauntonia hexaphylla   Fruit Mild areas only. Dioecious
D.SH. Tamarix gallica Manna Plant Manna from stem Sunny position. Deep loamy soil. Very wind resistant
E.T. Taxus baccata Yew Fruit - sweet Most soils. Shade tolerant. Leaves and seeds poisonous
  Other species also with poisonous leaves and seeds but edible fruits include T. brevifolia, T, canadensis and T. cuspidata
E.SH. Thymus vulgaris Common Thyme Leaves Dry sunny position
  Other species include T. capitata, T. drucei and T. serpyllum
D.T. Tilia x europaea Common Lime Leaves, sap.Flowers a chocolate substitute Sunny position. Most soils. Wind resistant
  Other species include T. americana, T. cordata, T. japonica, T. platyphyllos and T. mongolica
D.T. Toona sinensis Chinese Cedar Leaves and young shoots Thrives on chalk
E.T. Torreya nucifera Kaya Seed, oil from seed Most soils. Prefers heavy shade
  Other species include T. californica, T. fargesii, T. grandis, T. jackii and T. yunnanensis
E.T. Trachycarpus fortunei Chusan Palm Young flower buds Rich soil. Sheltered position
E.SH. Triphasia aurantiola Lime Berry Fruit Very mild areas only. Good loamy soil
E.T. Tsuga heterophylla   Inner bark Dislikes chalk. Prefers areas of heavy rainfall
  Inner bark is usually only eaten in times of shortage. Other species include T. canadensis and T. mertensiana

Now available: PLANTS FOR YOUR FOOD FOREST: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens.

An important new book from PFAF. It focuses on the attributes of plants suitable for food forests, what each can contribute to a food forest ecosystem, including carbon sequestration, and the kinds of foods they yield. The book suggests that community and small-scale food forests can provide a real alternative to intensive industrialised agriculture, and help to combat the many inter-related environmental crises that threaten the very future of life on Earth.

Read More

FOOD FOREST PLANTS

 

© 2010, Plants For A Future. Plants For A Future is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Charity No. 1057719, Company No. 3204567.