Eleutherococcus senticosus aka Siberian Ginseng

Eleutherococcus senticosus is also known as Siberian ginseng. This shrub sheds its leaves each year. It belongs to the Araliaceae family and grows in temperate Asia. Its native range spans the Russian Far East, China, Korea and Japan. Records from Japan place it on Hokkaido. It grows in mixed woods and mountain conifer forests. There, it forms low growth or groups near woodland edges. It also grows in thickets and some oak groves.

This shrub grows slowly to about 6.6 feet [2 metres] tall. Its form varies across its range. It blooms in July, and insects pollinate its flowers. Each flower has both male and female organs. The supplied species evidence gives no more flower or fruit details. Its woodland habit suits the edges of woodland gardens. It can grow in dappled shade or more open sites.

Choose moist soil that drains well for garden plants. PFAF favours warm loam rich in humus for growing it. The shrub also accepts sandy soil and heavy clay. It copes with poor soil and a broad pH range. Soils can be mildly acid, neutral or mildly alkaline. It can also withstand polluted city air. Shelter from cold north and east winds helps protect growth. PFAF lists full sun and light shade as suitable. Its growing notes favour sun but question this for a woodland plant. The source lists USDA zones 3–7. It also reports survival to at least 5°F [−15°C] with shelter.

You can cook young leaves and buds for food. Dried leaves also serve in place of tea. Growers in Russia and China raise the shrub for medicinal use. In traditional use, it serves as a tonic and ginseng substitute. These uses do not prove it is safe for treating disease. PFAF lists no other uses and flags no weed potential. Seeds may take a long time to sprout. Growers can also use cuttings, root cuttings and dormant suckers to grow new plants.

Despite these food uses, use as medicine carries key warnings. PFAF advises against use while pregnant or by children. It also warns people with high blood pressure. Reported effects include feeling sleepy, anxious or irritable, and irregular heartbeats. High doses may also cause breast pain and bleeding from the uterus. It may boost the effects of diabetes drugs. It may also boost the effects of sedatives and anticoagulants. The source advises avoiding coffee and limiting use to six weeks.