Gonyanthes Silverberry (Elaeagnus gonyanthes)

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

Elaeagnus gonyanthes is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in) at a medium rate. 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 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 is up to 22mm long and is yellowish-red when fully ripe. 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.; The fruit is up to 22mm long and is yellowish-red when fully ripe.; 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

Mountain forests at elevations below 1000 metres in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, and Yunnan Provinces. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)