Family:  Ginseng (Araliaceae)

Hardy to Zones 3 to 9

(Wu-jia-pi, Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Eleutherococcus nodiflorus, Eleuthero, Siberian Ginseng) Woody perennial shrub with ginseng-like leaves and white flowers giving way to the blue-black fruits. Rare in cultivation. Native to Central & S. China, S. Korea, Taiwan.  The root and root bark are the parts used.  Traditional usage: adaptogen, muscle and traumatic pain.  Source of eleutherosides. The plant will thrive in full sun and moist soil in the north, but prefers shade and moist soil in hotter, more southerly locations.  Plant does well with standard garden soil and may be spaced 10 feet apart.

P.S. OK, it has been pointed out to me that these plants do have some spines.  This is true, “spineless” in a relative sense.  Spiny eleuthero is simply COVERED with really dangerous spines, while this plant may be expected to have none or few spines.  Richo

Potted shrub, Certified Organically Grown