Identification & Description:
A decidious shrub growing to 3m. It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower in June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. We rate it 2 out of 5 for usefulness.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Habitats and Possible Locations
Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade.

Edible Uses
Flowers; Fruit; Seed; Stem; Tea.
Fruit – raw or cooked. It is best after a frost, when it becomes sweeter and softer. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter, but there is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds. Some care has to be taken when eating this fruit, see the notes above on known hazards.
Flowers: Colors ranging from white to yellow, pink, and purple, and these gorgeous blooms can be either single, semi-double, or double

A tea is made from the young leaves and stalks.

Young shoots – raw.

Petals – raw. The white base of the petal is bitter and should be removed.

The seed is a good source of vitamin E, it can be ground and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement. Be sure to remove the seed hairs.