Eleutherococcus divaricatus

Eleutherococcus divaricatus is a deciduous shrub in the Araliaceae family. Its native range covers Japan and Korea, including Jejudo. It grows in a temperate climate. In Japan, records place it in mountain habitats. Plants For A Future describes it as uncommon there. Its Japanese range includes Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. The name Acanthopanax divaricatus is a synonym for this species.

The shrub reaches about 11.5 feet [3.5 metres] in height. It sheds its leaves during the dormant season. Flowers appear from August to September. Each flower has both male and female organs. The supplied species evidence gives no details about fruit. It also lacks descriptions of bark, stems and leaf shape. Woodland edges and areas with dappled shade suit its garden use.

For cultivation, choose a moist soil that drains well. A loam rich in humus is the stated preference. The shrub also grows in sand and clay. It accepts mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soils. Poor soil and air pollution need not rule it out. Full sun suits it, though it also accepts partial shade. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9. It also reports cold tolerance of about −10 to −15°C with shelter from cold winds.

The leaves have several recorded food uses. People cook them as a vegetable or use them for seasoning. One method briefly boils the leaves before drying them. The dried crop then serves as a winter vegetable. Dried leaves can also stand in for tea. Plants For A Future gives edibility two out of five. It lists no known hazards, medicinal uses or other uses. That hazard entry does not establish safety for pets. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases.

Seed, cuttings and suckers offer ways to raise new plants. Sow fresh seed in autumn in a cold frame. Germination may take a long time. Stored seed needs six months of warmth, then three months of cold. Keep young plants under cover through their first winter. Give them light shade during this stage. Plant them outside in late spring or early summer. Take half-ripe cuttings in July or August. Other options include ripe wood cuttings and late-winter root cuttings. Divide suckers while the plant is dormant.