Elaeagnus orientalis L., which in the past has been treated as a distinct species or as a var of Elaeagnus angustifolia (as Elaeagnus angustifolia var orientalis (L.) Kuntze) is treated here as a synonym of Elaeagnus angustifolia. Differences previously recorded between the two taxa are now believed to be the result of environmental pressures rather than specific differences[].
Many taxa in this genus are separated only by quantitative characters, and better information on population variation is likely to lead to a significant reduction in the number of species recognized. Indeed, recent studies (Du, Fl. Yunnan. 12: 749-776. 2006) suggest that some species of Elaeagnus should be combined[].

Common Name: Oleaster

General Information

Elaeagnus angustifolia is a deciduous shrub or a small tree with a dense, rounded crown; it usually grows 3 - 7 metres tall, occasionally to 10 metres. The bole can be up to 100cm in diameter; the stems are sometimes armed with sharp spines[, ]. The plant can spread by suckers to form thickets[], though this possibly only happens if the top-growth is damaged[],
The plant is widely harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is commonly grown for its fruit in parts of Asia, where local cultivars have been developed[], and is also grown in soil stabilization projects, as a windbreak and a hedge. The plant is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its silvery foliate and fragrant flowers[].
Elaeagnus angustifolia is found over a wide ecological range. Only within Israel are there reports of potential population decline due to habitat loss. No other threats to the population are known and population is assumed to be large over the rest of the species range. This species is well represented in ex situ collections. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[].
Elaeagnus angustifolia is often grown as an ornamental. It has escaped from cultivation in N. America, where it quickly spreads and forms dense thickets that crowd out native vegetation and prevent the establishment of native trees[]. Once established, this species is difficult to control and nearly impossible to eradicate. It can interfere with agricultural practices, displace native riparian vegetation and choke irrigation ditches[]. It has been declared a noxious weed in some parts of North America[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eurasia - Belarus, Moldova and western Russia through the Caucasus and Turkey to eastern Siberia, Mongolia, China, central Asia and northern India

Habitat

By streams and along river banks; at elevations up to 3,000 metres in Turkey[]. Sea coast, river and lake shores, dry river beds, also in mountains[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Elaeagnus angustifolia is a very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -40°c[]. However, plants prefer a continental climate where cold winters are followed by hot, often dry summers. In mild winter areas plants can come into growth too soon in the spring and the young growth can then be damaged by late frosts, whilst the cool moist summers of maritime regions are often not hot enough to fully ripen the new growth, which is can then susceptible to damage during the winter[, ].
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils that are well-drained[], though it dislikes shallow chalk soils[]. Especially in drier climates, plants are commonly found growing in areas with low water tables and in moister soils close to sources of water[]. Prefers a light sandy soil that is only moderately fertile[], succeeding in poor soils and dry soils[, ]. Requires a position in full sun, growing very well in hot dry positions[]. Plants are very drought and wind resistant[, , ], they also tolerate conditions of considerable salinity and alkalinity[].
Generally long-lived, plants start producing fruit and seed when around 3 - 5 years old and continue for another 75 - 100 years[, ].
A very variable species[].
This species is often cultivated in N. Europe for its edible fruits, there are many named varieties and some of these are thornless[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[, ]. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%.
Plants are very tolerant of pruning, they usually resprout freely even when cut right back to the ground.
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[, ].
The flowers are sweetly and heavily scented[].

Orientalis -
Occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties[]. The fruit used to be commonly sold in the markets of Iran and Turkey but is rarely found there nowadays[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw, cooked, or used as a seasoning in soups[, , , , , ]. Dry, sweet and mealy[, , ]. The fruit can also be made into jellies or sherbets[]. The mealy fruit pulp can be fried; by adding it to flour, one can produce various tasty, sweet pastries[]. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent[].
The fruit is distilled into a very strong alcoholic drink which combines a wine-like flavour with the headiness of vodka[]
The yellowish-brown, oval fruit can be 7 - 26mm long and 5 - 13mm wide[, ]. It contains a single large seed[].

Seed - raw or cooked. It can be eaten with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous[].

Medicinal

The oil from the seeds is used with syrup as an electuary in the treatment of catarrh and bronchial affections[].

The juice of the flowers has been used in the treatment of malignant fevers[].

A powder made from the mealy part of the fruit is an astringent medication that can be used in treating gastroenteritic complaints[]..

The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be grown as a hedge in exposed positions[], tolerating maritime exposure[]. It is fairly fast-growing and very tolerant of pruning, but is rather open in habit and does not form a dense screen[]. Because the plant fixes atmospheric nitrogen, it makes a hedge that enriches the soil rather than depriving it of nutrients[].
The roots are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen making it possible for plants to grow well on very poor soils and for this reason this species has been used for land reclamation and the stabilization of sandy soils[, ]. It can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland, or when establishing a woodland garden[, ].

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the flowers by enfleurage; the pomade contains about 2% oil. It can be used in perfumery and cosmetics[].

The fruit can also be used for the production of alcohol: 100 kilos of fruit yields 12-13 litres of alcohol with fusel oil content not exceeding 1.17%[]..

A gum from the plant is used in the textile industry in calico printing[].

The bark and foliage are a good source of tannins[].

The brownish-yellow wood is hard with a beautiful, fine-grain. Of considerable value, it is used for posts, beams, furniture, musical instruments, various domestic items etc[, , ], it is also much used for carving[].
The wood is an excellent fuel[, , ]].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. It should germinate in late winter or early spring, though it may take 18 months[]. Stored seed can be very slow to germinate, often taking more than 18 months. A warm stratification for 4 weeks followed by 12 weeks cold stratification can help[]. The seed usually (eventually) germinates quite well[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pot as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when they are at least 15cm tall.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Difficult[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, autumn in a frame[]. The cuttings are rather slow and difficult to root, leave them for 12 months[].
Layering in September/early autumn. Takes 12 months[].
Root cuttings in the winter[].