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Important – Fall Delivery

Tree orders placed from now on will be delivered in the fall.


If you choose nursery pickup, it is essential to call us at least 24 hours in advance to schedule an appointment.
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Magnolia berry or five-flavor fruit, Schisandra chinensis

Regular price $16.00

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Size

Out of stock

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Origin & general information

  • A deciduous woody climbing plant native to northeastern China, Korea, and southeastern Russia.
  • Hardiness: tolerates cold winters (USDA zones ≈4). It can withstand temperatures down to around -30°C, depending on the source.

Morphology & reproduction

  • Foliage: simple, alternate leaves, elliptical to obovate in shape, moderate in size (≈5-11 cm long, 2-7 cm wide), with slightly serrated edges in some cases.
  • Stems: fairly long, vine that twines around supports or climbs over other plants.
  • Flowers: unisexual—there are male and female plants (dioecious).
    • However, there are monoecious (or self-fertile) selections, which allow male and female flowers to grow on the same plant, such as the ‘Eastern Prince’ variety.
  • Fruits: small red berries (≈ 5-8 mm in diameter), grouped in hanging clusters about 6-10 cm long. Each berry contains 1 or 2 seeds.

Properties & uses

  • Name “5 flavors”: the berries are renowned for combining the five basic flavors (salty, sweet, sour, bitter, spicy) according to Chinese tradition.
  • Medicinal/traditional use:
    • In traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic and adaptogen.
    • It is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, support liver function, increase stress resistance, and improve endurance.
    • The leaves and sometimes the bark are used for infusions and herbal teas; the berries are eaten fresh, dried, or in extract form.
  • Culinary or flavor use: berries used to make tea (“omija cha” in Korean), sometimes in drinks, jams, and desserts depending on the region.

Cultivation requirements & ideal conditions

  • Exposure    
    • Plant prefers filtered light or partial shade to partial shade. It tolerates sun, but in hot climates partial shade in the afternoon is often beneficial.
  • Soil    
    • Deep, loose, organic-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH around 6-7). Avoid compacted or very clayey soils with poor drainage.
  • Watering    
    • Needs regular moisture, but no standing water. Constantly moist but well-drained soil is ideal.
  • Temperatures    
    • Tolerates winter cold, but prefers summers that are not too hot. Plant from spring to fall in temperate regions.
  • Support    
    • As it is a vine, it needs a trellis, solid support, trees, wire mesh, etc. to climb.

Self-fertile/monoecious varieties

  • The ‘Eastern Prince’ variety is described as self-fertile, which means that you can get fruit even with just one plant.
  • ‘Sadova No. 1’ is also a self-fertile variety, producing abundant fruit.

Limitations, precautions

  • For “standard” dioecious varieties, a male plant must be nearby to ensure pollination and fruit production. Otherwise, female plants will produce few or no berries.
  • Fruit taste: some people find the taste quite complex, tart or harsh, sometimes difficult to enjoy fresh without preparation. Drying, cooking, or infusion is often used to soften the taste.
  • Dosage & safety: like many medicinal plants, there are potential adverse effects, especially at high doses. For example, stomach stimulation, possible increase in acidity, possible interactions.
  • In some regions, it is necessary to check climate compatibility and choose a variety suited to your winter/summer.

Hardiness Zones

  • 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Light

  • Full-sun
  • Half-shade

IMPORTANT: We do not deliver trees 7' and taller! (Nursery pickup only). For best results, orders placed from now on will be delivered in the fall (except for nursery pickup).

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