Scientific name: Elaeagnus multiflora
Family: ELAEAGNACEAE
Common names: “Goumi” “silverberry”
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Conditions:
Zone: 4-9
Light: Full sun – part shade
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Average – poor, nitrogen fixer so prefers less fertile soils
Moisture: Well drained, drought tolerant
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: 6-8′ H & W
Leaf and Stem shape: Young branches with brown scales, dark green ovate leaves, silver dotted with tiny brown scales beneath
Flower: Small, fragrant, bell-shaped silvery-white flowers bloom in spring, followed by red fruit in summer
Pruning: Minimal – little, cut back DDD’s
Maintenance: Low, doesn’t enjoy fertilizer
Landscape use: Hedge, wildlife garden, edible, background plant, screen
Propagate: By seed and cuttings
Pests & Disease: Nothing serious
*Deer resistant
Attracts and feeds birds
Comments: Native to Japan, nitrogen fixer, edible berries are extremely tart and dry out the mouth, berries high in lycopene an essential amino acid which promotes eye health