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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. Goumi (E. multiflora) has late summer fruit. It thrives in various soils, including dry or nutrient-poor ones. The edible red berries, eaten fresh or used in jams and sauces, are rich in antioxidants.
Physical Characteristics
Elaeagnus multiflora is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in July. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
E. longipes.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit Seed
Edible Uses:
Fruit - raw or cooked[1, 3, 11, 15, 46, 177]. Pleasantly acid when ripe, they make a very good dessert fruit[K] though they are usually made into pies, preserves etc[183]. Quite fiddly and difficult to pick without breaking the young shoots[200]. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent[K]. The fruit 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
Medicinal Uses
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Antitussive Astringent Cancer
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]. The leaves are used in the treatment of coughs[218]. The fruit is prescribed in the treatment of watery diarrhoea[218]. The root is astringent, a decoction is used to treat itch and foul sores[218].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Companion Hedge Hedge Rootstock
Agroforestry uses: Due to their dense growth and thorny branches, Elaeagnus species can be used as hedges or windbreaks. 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, tolerating maritime exposure. It is reasonably fast growing and provides a good screen in the summer, though much more open in the winter. It is a good companion hedge to grow, the plants enriching the soil and improving the growth of neighbouring plants[K]. A hedge in a very exposed position at Rosewarne in N. Cornwall was 3.5 metres tall in 1989[K]. Often used as a rootstock for evergreen species that are hard to grow from cuttings. It frequently sprouts from the base and can out-compete the scion[182]. 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
Food Forest Hedge Hedge Nitrogen Fixer Scented Plants
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
An easily grown plant[184], it succeeds in most soils that are well-drained[11, 200]. Prefers a soil that is only moderately fertile, succeeding in poor soils and in dry soils[11, 200]. Prefers a light sandy loam and a sunny position but succeeds in light shade[11, 200]. Very drought and wind resistant[1, 11, 200]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[160]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[184], but the roots are hardy to -30°c (although top growth will be killed at this temperature). A very variable species[266], it is often cultivated for its edible fruit in Japan, there are some named varieties[3, 11, 183]. Plants can crop in 4 years from cuttings[160]. They bear heavily in Britain[11]. The synonym E. longipes is sometimes accepted as a distinct species, differing mainly in having very long peduncles about 2.5cm in length[214]. The fruit is well hidden in the shrub and is quite difficult to harvest without damaging the plant[K]. The ssp. E. multiflora ovata. (Maxim.)Servettaz. produces brown fruits on long stalks[200], would this be any easier to harvest?[K]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[88, 200]. Birds love the fruits[160]. 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[200]. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%. The small flowers are deliciously scented with a lilac-like smell, their aroma pervading the garden on calm days[K]. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is multistemmed with multiple stems from the crown [1-2]. 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 branching: a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out [2-1]. Many Elaeagnus species are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without needing another plant for cross-pollination. 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. 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.
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. Good percentage[78]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, November in a frame. Leave for 12 months. Fair to good percentage[78]. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months[78].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Cibie, Goumi, Gumi, Longipe bush, Mupan-hsia, Natsu-gumi,
Native Range
TEMPERATE ASIA: Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Guangdong Sheng (south), Guizhou Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hokkaidô, Honshu, Hubei Sheng, Japan, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Korea, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng,China.
Weed Potential
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Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
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.
Expert comment
Author
Thunb.
Botanical References
1158200
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