Smilacina racemosa
Plant Details
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acid Neutral
Shadow, Half shade
Usage properties
Fruit
None
Description
Fruit: can be eaten raw, cooked, or processed into jellies and molasses. Although the fruits are smaller than peas, the plant produces many of them, making them easy to harvest. They have a delicious bittersweet flavor and are packed with vitamins. The fruit is sometimes used to prevent scurvy. An excess of raw fruit can have a laxative effect, especially if your body is not accustomed to it, so be cautious. This effect largely disappears if you cook the fruit. Young leaves can be eaten both raw and cooked. The young shoots that appear in the spring can be cooked and serve as a substitute for asparagus. The root of the plant can be eaten boiled, but it must first be soaked in alkaline water to remove the unpleasant taste. Afterward, it can be eaten like potatoes or pickled.
Harvest Data
Guilds
Guild Information
Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.
Guild Details
| Guild | Description |
|---|---|
|
Aegopodium podagraria Ground Elder, Bishop's goutweed, Goutweed, Bishop's Weed |
Aegopodium podagraria can provide ground cover, helping smilacina conserve moisture and prevent weeds. |
|
Salix alba Willow |
Salix alba can improve soil structure and moisture retention, benefiting the roots of Smilacina racemosa. |
|
Eupatorium Cannabinum Hemp Agrimony |
Eupatorium Cannabinum attracts beneficial insects that can help pollinate Smilacina racemosa. |
|
Alnus glutinosa European Alder |
Alnus glutinosa can enhance nitrogen levels in the soil, providing a nutrient-rich environment for Smilacina racemosa. |
|
Viburnum opulus Highbush cranberry |
Viburnum opulus provides shade and shelter, promoting a favorable microclimate for Smilacina racemosa. |