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:

General Information

Elaeagnus macrophylla is an evergreen shrub of rounded, spreading habit, it usually grows up to 300cm tall, sometimes scrambling into other vegetation and then growing taller[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes cultivated for its fruits in Southern Sakhalin and in the Caucasus[], and is also grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it can be used to make a hedge..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - eastern China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Thickets in lowland, especially near the sea[, , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Elaeagnus macrophylla is a fairly cold-tolerant plant, tolerating winter temperatures down to about -15°c[], and succeeding in the warmer regions of the temperate zone.
Succeeds in most soils that are well-drained[, ]. Prefers a soil that is only moderately fertile, succeeding in poor soils and in dry soils[, ]. Succeeds in sun or shade[, ]. Plants are very tolerant of maritime exposure[].
This is a plant with a very big potential as a commercial fruit crop. The fruit ripens outdoors in Britain in April, a season where traditionally there is no fresh fruit available. The fruit is of a reasonable size, has a very nice flavour when fully ripe and also has a fairly large edible seed[]. Some research needs to be carried out in order to find the conditions that are necessary to ensure good crops - some plants fruit very heavily whilst others have very light or no crops[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[, ].
Plants can succumb to wind-rock in very wet seasons[]. Plants are sometimes damaged by voles[].
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[].
The plant is allied to Elaeagnus pungens and Elaeagnus glabra[].
The flowers are very aromatic[], their aroma pervading the garden on calm days[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. A very acceptable rich flavour when fully ripe, though it is somewhat astringent before then[]. A potentially very valuable crop, ripening as it does in mid to late spring[]. We are not sure how reliable a crop it is though, some plants bear very heavy crops whilst others rarely bear fruit[]. The oblong fruit is up to 30mm long and contains a single large seed[].

Seed - raw or cooked. A mild flavour, that has a hint of peanut, it can be eaten in quantity[]. It can be eaten together with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous[].

Medicinal

The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially 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, they are very tolerant of maritime exposure[, ]. Reasonably fast-growing and providing a dense cover, it gives a very good protection from the wind[]. Plants are very tolerant of regular trimming, they can also be cut back almost to the ground and will resprout from the base[].
An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%.

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. It should germinate freely within 4 weeks, 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. Good percentage[]. It is best to take the cuttings in early summer[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, late autumn in a frame. Leave for 12 months. Fair to good percentage[].
Layering in September/early autumn. Takes 12 months[].