Autumn olive

Autumn olive (Elaeagnus parvifolia) is a deciduous shrub in the family Elaeagnaceae, grown for its silvery foliage and fragrant flowers. It reaches about 4.5 meters and grows at a medium rate, and it is well suited to use in hedgerows. Its native range spans a broad stretch of Asia, from Afghanistan and Pakistan through the western Himalaya to Nepal and Tibet, and onward across central, south-central, and southeastern China, Japan, Korea, and Manchuria. The plant is adaptable in cultivation. It prefers full sun and does best in medium soils, though it tolerates light sandy and heavy clay ground alike, and it manages dry to moist conditions. It is hardy in zones 3 to 7. It is also listed as a nitrogen fixer, a quality that supports its vigor and its use in hedgerows. Autumn olive bears small, fragrant flowers that give way to bright red, berry-like fruits ripening in late summer and early autumn. Both fruit and seeds are edible: the fruits can be eaten raw or made into jams and jellies, while the seeds are typically processed and ground into flour for baking. Its usefulness has carried it well beyond its native range, including much of the United States and parts of Canada, where it is regarded as invasive. Gardeners are advised to check local guidance before planting it, particularly near natural areas.