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Summary

Elaeagnus species, The family Elaeagnaceae contains several edible genera, including Silverberry (Elaeagnus), Buckthorn (Hippophae) and Buffaloberry (Shepherdia). All the species are nitrogen fixers, having a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, making them excellent companion plants. Growing with fruit trees can increase yields by up to 10% (especially with plums and nuts, which respond more to nitrogenous fertilisation). The fruit of many family members is a rich source of vitamins and minerals (especially vitamins A, C and E), flavonoids and other bioactive compounds. It is also a good source of essential fatty acids, which is unusual for a fruit. Elaeagnus are deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple, often silvery-scaled leaves and small fragrant tubular flowers followed by small juicy fruit edible in many species. They usually require some shade. Evergreen species are early fruiting plants, with fruit ripening over 6-8 weeks in early to late spring. Eat the fruit raw or cooked in soups, jellies or sherbets. The deciduous species fruit during the summer and need a sunny position. Russian Olive (E. angustifolia) has a native range from E. Europe to Temp. Asia. It is highly adaptable to arid and semi-arid climates, is drought-tolerant and thrives in poor, well-drained soils. It is used for erosion control, windbreaks, and as a hardy ornamental tree. The fruit is eaten raw or cooked and is used as a seasoning in soups. It has a dry, sweet, and mealy texture. The fruit can also be made into jellies or sherbets. It must be fully ripe before eating raw, as it can be quite astringent if under-ripe. The oval-shaped fruit is about 10mm long and contains a single large seed, which can also be eaten, although the seed case is fibrous. Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Oval, Spreading or horizontal.

Physical Characteristics

Elaeagnus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 7 m (23ft) by 7 m (23ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
It can fix Nitrogen.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

E. argentea. non Pursh. E. hortensis.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked as a seasoning in soups[1, 2, 3, 100, 146, 74]. Dry, sweet and mealy[11, 145, 183]. The fruit can also be made into jellies or sherbets[183]. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent[K]. The oval fruit is about 10mm long[200] and contains a single large seed[K]. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be eaten with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous[K].

References More on Edible Uses

Composition

Figures in grams (g) or miligrams (mg) per 100g of food.

Seed (Dry weight)

0 Calories per 100g
Water : 0%
Protein: 42.2g; Fat: 23.1g; Carbohydrate: 0g; Fibre: 0g; Ash: 0g;
Minerals - Calcium: 0mg; Phosphorus: 0mg; Iron: 0mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;
Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0mg; Niacin: 0mg; B6: 0mg; C: 0mg;
Reference: [ 218]
Notes:

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

The oil from the seeds is used with syrup as an electuary in the treatment of catarrh and bronchial affections[240]. The juice of the flowers has been used in the treatment of malignant fevers[240]. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[214].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Agroforestry uses: Elaeagnus species can be used as a hedge or windbreak due to their dense growth and thorny branches. They also improve soil fertility as nitrogen-fixing plants, making them beneficial in agroforestry systems. Their fruits provide food for wildlife and can be harvested for human consumption. Plants can be grown as a hedge in exposed positions[29], tolerating maritime exposure[200]. It is fairly fast-growing and very tolerant of pruning, but is rather open in habit and does not form a dense screen[K]. Because the plant fixes atmospheric nitrogen, it makes a hedge that enriches the soil rather than depriving it of nutrients[K]. An essential oil obtained from the flowers is used in perfumery[74]. A gum from the plant is used in the textile industry in calico printing[74]. Wood - hard, fine-grained. Used for posts, beams, domestic items[74, 100], it is also much used for carving[245]. The wood is an excellent fuel[74, 146]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes – Elaeagnus species, especially autumn olive and silverberry, have flowers that produce nectar and attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – The fruit of Elaeagnus species is highly favored by birds and small mammals. The dense branches provide excellent shelter, nesting, and roosting spots for birds. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Yes – The leaf litter and dense growth offer overwintering sites and protection for invertebrates. The shrub provides good ground cover, beneficial for many small creatures. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): No – Elaeagnus does not emit a strong enough smell to act as a pest confuser.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Screen, Specimen. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils that are well-drained[200], though it dislikes shallow chalk soils[98]. Prefers a light sandy soil that is only moderately fertile[11], succeeding in poor soils and dry soils[11, 200]. Requires a position in full sun, growing very well in hot dry positions[182]. Plants are very drought and wind resistant[1, 166, 200], they tolerate conditions of considerable salinity and alkalinity[227]. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -40°c[184]. However, plants prefer a continental climate[49] and are apt to be cut back in severe winters in Britain because the summer is often not warm enough to have fully ripened the wood[1]. A very variable species[214]. This species is often cultivated in N. Europe for its edible fruits, there are many named varieties and some of these are thornless[214]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[160, 200]. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%. Plants are very tolerant of pruning, they usually resprout freely even when cut right back to the ground. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[88, 200]. The flowers are sweetly and heavily scented[184]. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Fragrant flowers, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 8 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root [2-1]. Elaeagnus species are relatively fast-growing shrubs or small trees, typically reaching maturity in 3 to 5 years. They can grow to heights of 1 to 5 meters (3 to 16 feet) depending on the species and growing conditions. Fruits from Elaeagnus species are usually harvested in late summer to early autumn, depending on the species and local climate. Elaeagnus species generally flower in late spring to early summer depending on the specific species and environmental conditions. Many Elaeagnus species are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without needing another plant for cross-pollination.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[78]. It should germinate in late winter or early spring, though it may take 18 months[K]. Stored seed can be very slow to germinate, often taking more than 18 months. A warm stratification for 4 weeks followed by 12 weeks cold stratification can help[98]. The seed usually (eventually) germinates quite well[78]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pot as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when they are at least 15cm tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Difficult[113]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, October/November in a frame[200]. The cuttings are rather slow and difficult to root, leave them for 12 months[113]. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months[78]. Root cuttings in the winter[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Chhiolik, Giwai, Igde, Olajbogyo, Olajfa, Oleaster, Sand jujube, Sarseng, Sersing, Shersing, Shiulik, Zinzeyd,

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Russian Federation-Ciscaucasia (Ciscaucasia), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russian Federation (Dagestan), Russian Federation-Western Siberia (Western Siberia), Russian Federation (Altay), Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, China (Gansu Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Henan Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Ningxia Huizi Zizhiqu, Qinghai Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu) TROPICAL ASIA: India (northwest), Pakistan (northeast) EUROPE: Russian Federation (European part), Belarus, Moldova

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Elaeagnus angustifolia	Oleaster, Russian olive	Shrub	7.0	2-7	F	LMH	N	DM	4	2	4
Elaeagnus commutata	Silverberry	Shrub	3.0	2-6	M	LMH	N	DM	3	2	4
Elaeagnus cordifolia		Shrub	4.0	0-0	M	LMH	FSN	DM	5	2	3
Elaeagnus formosana		Shrub	0.0	-		LMH	SN	DM	2	2
Elaeagnus fragrans		Shrub	3.0	-	M	LMH	N	DM	2	2	2
Elaeagnus glabra	Goat nipple	Shrub	6.0	7-10	M	LMH	FSN	DM	4	2	3
Elaeagnus gonyanthes		Shrub	4.0	-	M	LMH	N	DM	2	2
Elaeagnus latifolia	Bastard Oleaster	Shrub	3.0	8-11	M	LMH	N	DM	3	2	2
Elaeagnus macrophylla	Broad-leaved Oleaster	Shrub	3.0	6-9	M	LMH	FSN	DM	5	2	3
Elaeagnus maritima		Shrub	6.0	-		LMH	FSN	DM	2	2
Elaeagnus montana		Shrub	4.0	-	M	LMH	N	DM	2	2
Elaeagnus multiflora	Goumi, Cherry silverberry	Shrub	3.0	5-9	F	LMH	SN	DM	5	2	3
Elaeagnus multiflora ovata	Goumi	Shrub	3.0	5-9	M	LMH	SN	DM	5	2	3
Elaeagnus oldhamii		Shrub	4.0	-		LMH	SN	DM	2	2
Elaeagnus orientalis	Trebizond Date	Shrub	12.0	4-8	M	LMH	N	DM	4	2	2
Elaeagnus parvifolia	Autumn olive	Shrub	4.5	3-7	M	LMH	N	DM	4	2	2
Elaeagnus pungens	Elaeagnus, Thorny olive, Thorny Elaeagnus, Oleaster, Silverberry, Silverthorn, Pungent Elaeagnus	Shrub	4.0	6-10	M	LMH	FSN	DM	5	2	3
Elaeagnus pyriformis		Shrub	0.0	-	M	LMH	N	DM	2	2
Elaeagnus thunbergii		Shrub	3.0	-		LMH	SN	DM	2	2
Elaeagnus umbellata	Autumn Olive	Shrub	4.5	3-9	F	LMH	N	DM	4	2	3
Elaeagnus x ebbingei	Elaeagnus, Ebbing's Silverberry	Shrub	5.0	5-9	F	LMH	FSN	DM	5	2	4
Elaeagnus x reflexa	Turned-leaf Elaeagnus	Shrub	4.5	6-9	M	LMH	FSN	DM	3	2	4
Elaeagnus yoshinoi		Shrub	5.0	-		LMH	SN	DM	2	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Elaeagnus - L.