Elaeagnus umbellata

Herfstolijf / Autumn olive

Elaeagnaceae (duindoornfamilie)

Edible plant part (1)

Fruits
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

None

Autumn olive belongs to the small trees-large shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is an early species. The growth rate is fast. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 5 to 6 meter. and a width of 3 to 5 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is half-open. The Autumn olive is decidious. It buds in february and it loses its leaves in december.
This species forms a heart-shaped shallow root system. This species is non spreading in the food forest. Autumn olive is a nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Siddharth Patil, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elaeagnus_umbellata_berries.JPG

foto: Siddharth Patil, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elaeagnus_umbellata_berries.JPG

foto: Evelyn Derksen

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

neutral

alkaline

very alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): early march, mid march
Flowering period (length): month, several weeks
Pollination vector: insects
Plant reproductive fertility: self sterile

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

very resistant

Main serious pests and diseases

none applicable

Harvest and Consumption

Fruits

Harvest location edible part: Above reach, elbow height, high, but within reach
Harvesting period - start: End of september
Harvesting period - length: Several weeks
Harvesting period - recognition: Easy, colour
Harvesting period - uniformity: Medium
Suitable harvesting methods: Simple tool
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Several weeks
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 2
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 5
Productive life span - start (year) - maximum: 3
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 15
Productive life span - peak (year) - maximum: 25
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 30

Culinary appreciation

Good quality.

References