Silverberry (Elaeagnus commutata)

Family: Elaeagnaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Elaeagnus commutata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Dry and mealy. Good when added to soups they also make an excellent jelly. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Good when added to soups they also make an excellent jelly.; The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent.; The fruit contains a single large seed.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry calcareous slopes. (Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6)