Three-leaf akebia

Akebia trifoliata

East Asian semi-evergreen twining climber with attractive three-lobed leaves and small dark-purple flowers in spring, followed by large purple sausage-shaped fruits with white edible jelly-like flesh.

Hardiness ratings

Three-leaf akebia hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 5–9 −28.9 °C to −1.1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H6 −20 °C to −15 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 5–8 −23 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 2–6 −10 °C to 15 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Native to China, Korea, and Japan
  • Distinct from Akebia quinata already in the database from batch 8 — A. trifoliata has three leaflets rather than five, and the fruit is larger
  • WARNING: Listed mildly INVASIVE in parts of the eastern United States — similar concerns to A. quinata, do not plant outside its native range without checking local guidance
  • Fruits are edible when ripe and split — sweet, jelly-like flesh, prized in Japanese mountain cuisine

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Three-leaf akebia against your zones

Reference

Three-leaf akebia on Wikipedia