Elaeagnus
Elaeagnus pungensfam. Roseaceae
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Pl. 9E13 — Elaeagnus pungens
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IOverview
Overview
Elaeagnus pungens, commonly known as Elaeagnus, is a shrub native to China South-Central, Southeast, Japan, Korea, and Tadzhikistan. This plant thrives in various habitats, including full sun, partial shade, and even full shade, making it adaptable to different light conditions. It prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and is drought-tolerant but also grows well in moist environments. Hardy from zones 6-10, Elaeagnus reaches a height of about 4 meters. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, this plant is both ornamental and useful as an edible source.
Quick answers
What is Elaeagnus?
Elaeagnus pungens, commonly known as Elaeagnus, is a shrub native to China South-Central, Southeast, Japan, Korea, and Tadzhikistan. This plant thrives in various habitats, including full sun, partial shade, and even full shade, making it adaptable to different light conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Elaeagnus pungens thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can tolerate dry conditions but also performs well in moist environments. This shrub is hardy in zones 6-10 and grows up to 4 meters tall. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. The fruit and seeds are edible.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-10
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
4.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Elaeagnus for the first time
8steps
Start with Elaeagnus as a low-maintenance shrub that can thrive in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Elaeagnus plant, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining; amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a mix of light, medium, and heavy soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants in early spring or fall. Dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when dry, prune in late winter or early spring, and mulch around the base.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches; harvest fruit when ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The fruit of Elaeagnus pungens is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. The seeds are also usable but not commonly consumed directly. Typically, the fruits are enjoyed fresh or dried for later use.
Other uses:HedgerowNitrogen fixerFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 18 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 18 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 5 native· 18 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)United Kingdom
Asia4 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
introduced (1)Georgia
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Mauritius
Broader regions
native:Tadzhikistan
introduced:Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Masachusettes, Alabama, District of Columbia
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 (Roseaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Roseaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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