Is Black-Wood edible?

Yes — Black-Wood (Cotoneaster racemiflorus) is catalogued as edible in this database. Always confirm species ID before harvest and source from clean ground.

How should Black-Wood be stored?

Dried Black-Wood keeps 12–18 months in an airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight and moisture. Volatile-oil constituents degrade faster — buy in small quantities and use within 6 months of opening for peak potency. Refrigerate tinctures once opened.

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IIIFolio · plant profile№ C558edible

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Black-Wood

Cotoneaster racemiflorus

Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →

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Updated15 October 2026·Quick Q&A →

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Cotoneaster racemiflorus (Black-Wood) — botanical photograph

Pl. C558 — Cotoneaster racemiflorus

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Overview

Black-Wood (Cotoneaster racemiflorus) is a shrub native to regions including Assam, Cyprus, East Himalaya, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Lebanon-Syria, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and West Himalaya. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can adapt to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It is hardy in USDA zones 3-7 and can grow to a height of about 2.4 meters. Known for its edible qualities, Black-Wood produces manna, a sweet substance that can be harvested from the plant. Its ornamental value is also notable, as it can be used in gardens and landscapes for its attractive form. Black-Wood is versatile and can adapt to different environmental conditions, making it a suitable addition to diverse habitats. While it is not medicinal, it is important to handle the plant with care and avoid ingestion of any parts, as some plants in the Rosaceae family can be toxic.

Quick answers

What is Black-Wood?

Full Q&A reference →

Growingconditions · propagation · uses

Cultivation

Black-Wood thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but performs best in moist conditions. This shrub is hardy in zones 3-7 and reaches a height of about 2.4 meters. Ensure the plant receives adequate water during dry periods to maintain its health and vigor. Skip any specific mulch or fertilizer recommendations, as general care practices should suffice for optimal growth.

Light

Full sun, Partial sun/shade

Water

Dry, Moist

Soil

Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)

Hardiness

3-7

Habit

Shrub

Mature size

2.4 m tall

For first-time growers

How to grow Black-Wood for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple shrub that thrives in various conditions, perfect for beginners.

1
What you'll need
A Black-Wood plant or seeds, a trowel, and some mulch.
2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining; it can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly into the ground in early spring.
5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days.
6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, and water when dry. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring.
7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting regular pruning.

Edible & utility

Edible uses: Manna

Other uses:Weaving materialDyeLumberFragrance

Contextrange · companions · related

VII

Distribution

12 native · 1 introduced

Distribution across2 continents· 12 native· 1 introduced

Europe2 regions

native (1)Cyprus

introduced (1)Germany

Asia8 regions

native (8)IndiaIranIraqKazakhstanMyanmarNepalPakistanUzbekistan

Broader regions

native:East Himalaya, Lebanon-Syria, West Himalaya

Specimen gallery

1 image

Explore further

Companion planting

Black-Wood companions →

Growing zone

USDA zone 3-7

Native to

Assam Cyprus East Himalaya

XII

About this entry

Last updated: 15 October 2026
Citation: How to cite this entry · Submit a correction

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iCare notes

Black-Wood

Overview

What is Black-Wood?

Cultivation

How to grow Black-Wood for the first time

What you'll need

Best time to plant

Soil and container prep

Sowing or transplanting

First two weeks

Ongoing care

Harvest or pruning

Common mistakes