Willow-Leaved Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae salicifolia)

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

Hippophae salicifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, plus minerals and bioflavonoids, and is also a source of essential fatty acids. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; A very nutritious food, and possibly the most nutritious fruit that can be grown in temperate climates.; It is very rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, plus minerals and bioflavonoids, and is also a source of essential fatty acids.; It comes ripe in late summer, though it can be eaten for about a month before this, and will hang on the tree until mid-winter, by which time the flavour has become much milder, though it has also become very soft and difficult to pick.

Habitat & North American Range

Alluvial gravel, wet landslips and riversides to 3500 metres. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)