Elaeagnus umbellata - Thunb.
Plant Details
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acid Neutral Basic
Sun
Usage properties
Fruit, Seed
Hedge, Biomass, Companion
Description
Edible applications: The fruits can be eaten raw or cooked. They are juicy and pleasantly sour in taste, enjoyable to eat as is, and also suitable for jams and preserves. The fruits must be fully ripe before they can be consumed raw; if they are even slightly unripe, they will be quite astringent. The fruits contain about 8.3% sugars, 4.5% proteins, 1% ash, and approximately 12 mg of vitamin C per 100 g. In the wild, mature shrubs produce about 650 g of fruit in 2 - 3 harvests. The harvested fruit remains good at room temperature for about 15 days. The fruits are about 8 mm in diameter and contain a single large pit. The seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be consumed along with the fruit, although the seed coat is quite fibrous.
Harvest Data
Guilds
Guild Information
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Guild Details
| Guild | Description |
|---|---|
|
Carya ovata Hickory |
Provides shade and helps support the growth of Elaeagnus by creating a more diverse canopy. |
|
Rhus typhina Sumach |
Acts as a nitrogen-fixer, enriching the soil necessary for Elaeagnus growth. |
|
Juglans nigra Black walnut |
Creates a habitat with additional nutrients and helps control pests through its juglone production. |
|
Vitis vinifera Grape |
Great climber that can use Elaeagnus for support while improving local biodiversity. |
|
Prunus domestica Plum |
Provides fruit and attracts pollinators, benefitting both plants in mutual support. |
|
Acer campestre Field Maple, Hedge maple |
Offers shade and habitat for beneficial insects, enhancing the ecosystem around Elaeagnus. |