Formosana Silverberry (Elaeagnus formosana)

Family: Elaeagnaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Elaeagnus formosana is an evergreen Shrub. It is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from September to December, and the seeds ripen from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent. The ovoid fruit is up to 16mm long and contains a single large seed. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent.; The ovoid fruit is up to 16mm long and contains a single large seed.

Habitat & North American Range

In thickets below elevations of 2,000 metres throughout Taiwan. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)