Coriaria is a small genus of woody plants found distributed across temperate climates in areas like Asia, the Mediterranean, and Europe. These plants tend to be found towards the warm end of temperate climates and are grown ornamentally in gardens all over the world. Some have additional uses, depending on the species. Nurseries may carry Coriaria for cultivation and can order it by request. People can also obtain the plant through catalogs and trades with other gardeners; trades are often listed at online gardening sites and exchanges.
Members of this genus come in the form of small shrubs to trees, with long, trailing branches. The leaves are simple and usually appear opposite each other, with the plant developing trailing racemes for flowers in the spring. The flowers are small, white, and five-petaled, and will develop into greenish or black fruit, depending on the species. In some plants, the berries are edible, while in others, they are toxic, and in fact Coriaria berries are even used in the production of rat poison in some regions of the world.
Some species will climb and can be trained on trellises or other plants. Others are more bushy, with an upright growth habit. The plants can be pruned and pinched back to encourage them to develop a more even, branching shape in the garden. Pruning can also be used to control the rate of growth if there is a concern about Coriaria overrunning the garden or overshading other plants.
These plants like soil of medium quality with good drainage, and can grow in partial shade or full sun, depending on the climate. They have moderate water needs and should not be allowed to completely dry out or to remain soaked. Some species have different tolerances, and it is advisable to follow care directions as provided. Many members of this genus are somewhat frost tolerant, although covering in a prolonged cold snap is recommended to keep the plants as healthy as possible.
Gardeners interested in cultivating Coriaria should select nontoxic species if they have young children or curious pets, to avoid accidents in the garden. Beekeepers should also be cautious with these plants, as there have been reports of illness associated with eating honey produced from Coriaria flowers. People who eat the toxic honey will develop delirium and other cognitive deficits as a result of ingesting the toxin produced by these plants, which is picked up by the bees along with the nectar.
