Thunbergii Silverberry (Elaeagnus thunbergii)

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

Elaeagnus thunbergii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). 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 fruit is up to 14mm 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 fruit is up to 14mm long and contains a single large seed.; Seed - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Found throughout Taiwan at elevations below 3,000 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)