Autumn olive (Elaeagnus parvifolia)

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

Elaeagnus parvifolia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to November. 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, cooked or added to curries. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent - though children seem to love it at the slightly unripe stage. — Fruit - raw, cooked or added to curries.; The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent - though children seem to love it at the slightly unripe stage.; The fruit is about 8mm in diameter and contains a single large seed.; Seed - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Shrubberies, 1500 - 3000 metres, from Afghanistan to S.W. China. Forest openings at elevations of 1300 - 3000 metres in Nepal. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)