Kozo
Broussonetia kazinoki
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Pl. EEF6 — Broussonetia kazinoki
Broussonetia kazinokiBroussonetia kazinokiBroussonetia kazinokiBroussonetia kazinokiBroussonetia kazinokiBroussonetia kazinokiBroussonetia kazinokiBroussonetia kazinokiBroussonetia kazinokiBroussonetia kazinokiBroussonetia kazinokiBroussonetia kazinokiBroussonetia kazinokiBroussonetia kazinoki
IOverview
Overview
Kozo (Broussonetia kazinoki) is a deciduous tree native to Japan, Korea, and the Nansei-shoto islands. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate various soil types, from light sandy to heavy clay, making it adaptable to different growing conditions. Known for its edible parts—flowers, fruit, and leaves—it has been cultivated for centuries. Kozo is valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its ornamental appeal, often found in gardens and landscapes due to its distinctive form and hardiness ranging from zones 6-9. Its ability to grow up to 4.5 meters makes it a notable presence in the landscape while providing multiple uses for those who cultivate it.
Quick answers
What is Kozo?
Kozo (Broussonetia kazinoki) is a deciduous tree native to Japan, Korea, and the Nansei-shoto islands. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate various soil types, from light sandy to heavy clay, making it adaptable to different growing conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Kozo thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. This tree is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to 4.5 meters tall. For propagation, it can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The edible parts include flowers, fruit, and leaves.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Mature size
4.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Kozo for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Kozo in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
Kozo saplings or seeds, garden gloves, spade, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Kozo in early spring or late autumn when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare containers at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings about 4-5 m apart in rows for easy harvesting of leaves. Sow seeds in spring after last frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy, and mulch around them to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure for at least 6 hours a day. Water deeply once a week during dry spells, and prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Kozo in late winter to remove dead branches and encourage new growth. Harvest leaves when they are mature but before the summer heat.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruitLeaves
Edible uses: Kozo flowers, fruits, and leaves are edible. The flowers can be eaten raw or cooked in salads. The fruits are typically used fresh but can also be dried for later use. The young leaves can be consumed fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable.
Other uses:Fiber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 3 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)JapanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Nansei-shoto
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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