Oldhamii Silverberry (Elaeagnus oldhamii)

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

Elaeagnus oldhamii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

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 globose fruit is about 9mm wide 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 globose fruit is about 9mm wide and contains a single large seed.; Seed - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

In open area at elevations below 500 m metres in Fujian, Guangdong and Taiwan Provinces. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)