Goumi (Elaeagnus multiflora ovata)

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

Elaeagnus multiflora ovata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium 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. It can fix Nitrogen.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Nuts/Seeds

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Pleasantly acid when ripe, they are usually made into pies, preserves etc. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Pleasantly acid when ripe, they are usually made into pies, preserves etc.; Quite fiddly and difficult to pick without breaking the young shoots, this sub-species carries the fruit on longer stalks than the species and might therefore be easier to pick.; The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent.

Habitat & North American Range

Thickets and thin woods in hills and on lowland, at elevations of 600 - 1800 metres. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)