Autumn olive
Elaeagnus umbellata
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 9F3A — Elaeagnus umbellata
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IOverview
Overview
The Autumn olive is a perennial shrub belonging to the family Elaeagnaceae. Native to Afghanistan, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Minnesota, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, and the West Himalaya, this plant has been naturalized in other regions as well. It is known for its edible fruit and seeds, which are consumed by humans. One of its distinctive features is its ability to thrive in a wide range of soil conditions, from light sandy soils to medium and heavy clay soils. Its tolerance for dry and moist environments also sets it apart, allowing it to grow in areas with varying levels of rainfall.
Quick answers
What is Autumn olive?
The Autumn olive is a perennial shrub belonging to the family Elaeagnaceae. Native to Afghanistan, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Minnesota, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, and the West Himalaya, this plant has been naturalized in other regions as well.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Autumn olive is a perennial shrub that thrives in full sun and can tolerate dry to moist conditions. It prefers light to medium soils, including sandy, clay, or a mix of both, with a slightly acidic pH range of 5.3-7.5. The plant is hardy in temperate regions, tolerating temperatures between 3-7 degrees Celsius. Autumn olive grows to a height of 4.5 meters and can be propagated through seed or fruit. Edible parts include the fruit and seeds, which can be used as a food source.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
4.5 m tall
Soil pH
5.3–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Autumn olive for the first time
8steps
Start with Autumn olive as a simple, low-maintenance shrub for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Autumn olive seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure it gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or plant young seedlings. Space them about 3 meters apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist until plants are established, then reduce watering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Watch for pests like spider mites.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Wait for the fruit to ripen in summer, then pick it by hand. Prune in late winter to encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The Autumn olive's fruit and seeds are edible. The ripe fruit can be eaten raw or dried for later use. In some regions, the seeds are also consumed, typically after drying. There is no further information on preparation methods or specific uses beyond these basic details.
Other uses:CompanionAnimal feedFire starterHedgerowNitrogen fixerFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 18 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 18 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 12 native· 18 introduced
Asia7 regions
native (6)AfghanistanChinaJapanNepalPakistanSouth Korea
introduced (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Minnesota, West Himalaya
introduced:Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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