Fragrant Olive (Osmanthus fragrans)

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

Osmanthus fragrans is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant aroma to tea, wine and sweet dishes such as lotus seed soup, pastries and steamed pears. — The unripe fruits are preserved in brine like olives.; The very fragrant flowers are used by the Chinese to impart a pleasant aroma to tea, wine and sweet dishes such as lotus seed soup, pastries and steamed pears.; They are also added to herbal medicines in order to disguise obnoxious flavours.; The flowers have a scent of apricots.

Habitat & North American Range

Mountains of S. Japan. 1200 - 2100 metres in the Himalayas. Forests, in association with Ilex dipyrena and Castanopsis spp, at elevations of 1300 - 3000 metres in Nepal. (Zone 8)