Pimpernut

Profile

Family

Staphyleaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

4.5 m

Spread

4 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

40 years

First yield

after 5 years

Hardiness

zone 5–9

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very wet

pH

6.5 – 7.5

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Seeds - raw. The seeds are said to taste like pistachios and are eaten by children in Germany.

Growing

Tolerant to a variety of soils, as long as they are not too dry, it prefers a rich loamy soil in full sun or partial shade. It favors a neutral to acidic soil but can also tolerate some alkalinity. This plant is highly decorative and hardy to about -20°C. It blooms best in years following hot summers. Plants of this genus are remarkably resistant to the honey fungus.

Propagation

Seeds - Germination can be very slow, sometimes taking 18 months or longer. It is best to sow the seeds immediately after ripening in a cold frame, with at least some of them expected to germinate in the spring. Stored seeds should be sown as early as possible in the year and subjected to cold stratification - they may only germinate in the following year's spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them in the greenhouse in semi-shade during the first winter. Plant them out early the following summer. Cuttings from semi-ripe shoots, 5 - 8 cm with a heel, in July/August in a cold frame. High success rate. Layering in July/August. Takes 15 months. High success rate. Sometimes plants produce runners, which can be removed and planted out during the dormant period.

Notable

Special features: warmth and humus-loving; rare → protected by nature conservation; suitable as an underplanting for forest edges, trees, or as a solitary plant; for moderately dry + alkaline + shady + warm location; late returnee (survived the last Ice Age behind the Caucasus, originally native here); like fortune cookie;

Origin & habitat

Europe. Naturalized in Europe.

The tropical and subtropical highlands below 1000m are characterized by a variety of ecosystems, including rainforests, savannas, and wetlands. These regions are known for their rich biodiversity, providing habitats for numerous plant and animal species. Additionally, they are crucial for preserving biological diversity and contributing to climate regulation.