Łódź, Park Źródliska

Native to North America, but widely spread in Europe. Ornamental plant. Edible plant - fruits raw or dried for winter use, very acid when it first ripens, it becomes sweet and edible after exposure to frost; young leaves are wrapped around other foods and then baked; young tendrils - raw or cooked. Herbal plant - leaves are hepatic and have been used in the treatment of the liver; the wilted leaves have been applied as a poultice to the breasts to draw away soreness after the birth of a child; an infusion of the bark has been used to treat urinary complaints; an infusion of the roots has been taken in the treatment of rheumatism and diabetes; the sap can be rubbed into the scalp as a tonic for the hair. Useful plant - a yellow dye is obtained from the fresh or dried leaves.