Phytolacca esculenta
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −23.3 °C
Cultivation
An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. There is sme disagreement over the correct name for this species with some authorities saying that it is no more than a synonym for P. acinosa. There are reports that there is a white flowered plant, which could either be this species or a form of P. acinosa which is said to be non-toxic and to have an edible root[K]. See P. acinosa for more details. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.
Propagation
Seed - sow autumn or spring in a cold frame. 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. If you have sufficient seed, it might be worthwhile trying an outdoor sowing in a seed bed in early spring. Grow the plants on in the seedbed for their first year and plant them out the following spring. Division in March or October. Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the rootstock, making sure that each section has at least one growth bud. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Edible uses
Leaves - they must be cooked and are used as a spinach. Only the young leaves should be used since they become toxic with age. Root - cooked.
Medicinal uses
The roots contain saponins.
Material uses
A red ink is obtained from the fruit.
Habitat
Valleys, hillsides, forest understories, forest margins and roadsides at elevations of 500 - 3400 metres.
Native range
E. Asia - China.