Yoshino Privet
Elaeagnus yoshinoifam. Roseaceae
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Pl. B51D — Elaeagnus yoshinoi
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IOverview
Overview
Elaeagnus yoshinoi, commonly known as Yoshino olive, is a deciduous shrub native to Japan. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. It prefers dry to moist conditions and grows up to 5 meters tall. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, this ornamental shrub is valued both for its beauty and utility. Its distinctive features include silvery-gray foliage and small, fragrant flowers that give way to olive-like fruits.
Quick answers
What is Yoshino Privet?
Elaeagnus yoshinoi, commonly known as Yoshino olive, is a deciduous shrub native to Japan. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. It prefers dry to moist conditions and grows up to 5 meters tall.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Elaeagnus yoshinoi thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist but well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions and grows up to 5 meters tall. This plant requires dry conditions during the dormant period but benefits from regular watering during active growth. Propagation can be done through seeds. The fruit and seed are edible parts of this plant.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Mature size
5.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Yoshino Privet for the first time
8steps
Start with Yoshino Privet by ensuring you have the right conditions and care, making it a manageable project for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A Yoshino Privet sapling or seeds, a trowel, mulch, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is moist but not wet.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with some sand for better drainage. Ensure containers have holes for excess water.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings carefully, ensuring roots are undisturbed. For seeds, sow in early spring directly into the ground or start indoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for signs of stress and adjust watering accordingly.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, water when dry, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts. Harvest fruit when ripe for a sweet treat.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil without drainage, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The fruit and seeds of Elaeagnus yoshinoi are edible. The fruit can be eaten fresh or dried, while the seeds may be roasted or ground into flour for use in various dishes.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 1 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Japan
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
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