Goat nipple (Elaeagnus glabra)

Family: Elaeagnaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Elaeagnus glabra is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from October to November, and the seeds ripen in May. 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, 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 oval fruit is about 15mm long and contains a single large seed. Seed - raw or cooked. — 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 oval fruit is about 15mm long and contains a single large seed.; Seed - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Thickets in hills. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)