Plant Details

Elaeagnus x ebbingei

Elaeagnus, Ebbing's Silverberry

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Elaeagnus x ebbingei.

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Common names

5 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Ebbing's Silverberry
  • Elaeagnus
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Olijfwilg
  • Zilverbes
French
  • Chalef d'Ebbinge
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Elaeagnus x ebbingei
Taxonomic placement (Kew): Elaeagnus × submacrophylla Servett. View name reference ↗

Kew places Elaeagnus × ebbingei J.Door. under this hybrid name. The hybrid marker is retained in photo matching.

Sources [2] [3]
Botanical family: Elaeagnaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Elaeagnus (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Elaeagnus, Ebbing's Silverberry

Plant characteristics

Layer: Shrub
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Growth rate: Moderate
Foliage: Evergreen

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 5-9
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Shade

Uses

Edible parts:
Fruit, Seed
Edibility rating:
(5)
Medicinal rating:
(2)
Functions:
Nitrogen fixer, Companion plant, Hedge, Fragrant

Description

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit has an average size of about 20 by 13 mm, with a large seed inside. When the fruit is fully ripe, it has a very rich flavor with a slight acidity that makes it pleasant to eat. The fruit should be deep red in color and very soft when ripe; otherwise, it may be astringent. The taste is even better if the fruit is stored for a day or two after harvesting. The fruits ripen over a period of about 6 weeks in intervals from early April to mid-May. Seed - raw or cooked. The seed can be eaten together with the fruit, but the seed itself is quite fibrous. The flavor resembles peanuts somewhat.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/09
Harvest ends: 31/10

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 1379863; name ID 2784975; Elaeagnus Tourn. ex L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Elaeagnus × submacrophylla Servett.
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Name heading and taxonomic status; Kew places Elaeagnus × ebbingei J.Door. under this hybrid name. The hybrid marker is retained in photo matching.

    Source checked on .

  3. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Elaeagnus × ebbingei J.Door.
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Taxonomic synonyms or horticultural name section. Kew places Elaeagnus × ebbingei J.Door. under this hybrid name. The hybrid marker is retained in photo matching.

    Source checked on .