Russian olive, Cherry elaeagnus
Elaeagnus multiflora

Family: Elaeagnaceae

What it is like

A wide spreading evergreen shrub. It grows 3 m high and spreads 2 m wide. The leaves are green on the upper surface. They are silvery underneath. The new shoots are red brown. The flowers on them are fragrant. The flowers are yellowish-white and drooping. The fruit are red with silver specks. They are 1.5 cm across. They are edible. There are several botanical varieties.

There are 45 Elaeagnus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is best grown in full sun but can grow in light shade. It will grow on poor and dry soils. It can tolerate polluted air and windy conditions. It can tolerate cold conditions. It suits hardiness zones 5-9. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Britain, Central Asia, China (country/location of origin), Europe, Japan, Korea, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Tibet, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten raw. They are mostly cooked and made into pies, tarts, jellies, sauces and wine.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

It can be grown from cuttings.

It is fast growing. A bush can produce 4-8 kg of fruit in a year. In China plants flower in April to May and fruit in June to July.

Its other names

Local names

Cibie, Goumi, Gumi, Longipe bush, Mnogocvetna oljčica, Mupan-hsia, Natsu-gumi

Synonyms

Elaeagnus edulis; Elaeagnus longipes;