Heartleaf oleaster
Elaeagnus cordifoliafam. Rosaceae
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Pl. 7F17 — Elaeagnus cordifolia
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IOverview
Overview
The heartleaf oleaster, Elaeagnus cordifolia, is a shrub native to East Asia, including regions of China and Japan. This plant features shiny, oval-shaped leaves with a distinctive heart-like form; the tops are green while the undersides are silver. It produces small white flowers and is known for its edible fruit and seeds. Thriving in various conditions, it can tolerate full sun to partial shade and grows well in light sandy, medium, or heavy clay soils. While it prefers dry to moist environments, this adaptable shrub can reach a height of 4 meters and is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also as a source of food.
Quick answers
What is Heartleaf oleaster?
The heartleaf oleaster, Elaeagnus cordifolia, is a shrub native to East Asia, including regions of China and Japan. This plant features shiny, oval-shaped leaves with a distinctive heart-like form; the tops are green while the undersides are silver.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Heartleaf oleaster thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil that is light, medium, or heavy. It can tolerate dry conditions but also performs well in moist environments. This shrub, which grows up to 4 meters tall, is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. The plant's fruit and seed are edible.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
4.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Heartleaf oleaster for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple heartleaf oleaster shrub and focus on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A heartleaf oleaster plant, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with some sand for better drainage. Ensure containers have holes at the bottom.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery pot to your garden, making sure not to damage roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune lightly to shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The heartleaf oleaster produces small, edible fruits that can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. The seeds are also edible and can be consumed after proper processing. These parts of the plant are often enjoyed fresh but can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:HedgerowNitrogen fixerFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 17 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 17 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 6 native· 17 introduced
Asia4 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
introduced (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Kuril Is.
introduced:Alabama, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Masachusettes, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode I., Tadzhikistan, Tennessee, Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7f174caa-37a8-41a9-a9c4-6c86fcea4d17
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