Schisandra chinensis, commonly known as magnolia berry or five-flavor fruit, is a deciduous vine native to the forests of Northern China, the Russian Far East, Japan, and Korea, particularly thriving in cool, shady, and moist environments such as riverbanks and forest edges. It can grow vigorously up to 82 feet long, with a twining habit that allows it to climb trees and shrubs. The leaves are bright green, and the plant produces small, fragrant, pink to white flowers in the late spring to early summer. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they give way to dense clusters of bright red berries by late summer to fall, each berry containing numerous seeds. The berries are notable for their complex flavor profile, combining salty, sweet, sour, pungent, and bitter tastes.

Magnolia berry is valued for its ornamental qualities and its use in traditional medicine. In cultivation, it is often grown on trellises, arbors, or fences in gardens for its attractive foliage and fruit. It requires moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate part shade to full shade conditions, making it suitable for woodland gardens and shaded areas. Schisandra chinensis is also known for its adaptogenic properties, believed to help the body resist stressors of all kinds, physical, chemical, and biological. It is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance mental and physical capacities and has been the subject of research for various health benefits. However, gardeners should be aware that it is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants for fruit production, and may need protection from birds and other wildlife that find the berries appealing.CC BY-SA 4.0