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: Elaeagnus

General Information

Elaeagnus pungens is a densely-branched, spreading, spiny, evergreen shrub usually growing 300 - 400cm tall, though it can be smaller and can occasionally reach around 8 metres[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It is sometimes cultivated as a fruit crop in gardens, and is also often grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it can be used as a hedge[].
The plant can escape from cultivation and has become naturalized in some areas, especially in N. America, New Zealand and parts of Europe. In some of these areas there are signs that the plant can be invasive and harm native habitats[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan

Habitat

Sunny slopes, road sides and thickets in lowlands area, often near the sea; at elevations up to 1,000 metres[, ].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Elaeagnus pungens is generally a hardy plant, tolerating temperatures falling as low as -15°c[, ]. The foliage, however, can be damaged in severe wind-chill conditions[].
Succeeds in most soils that are well-drained[, ]. Dislikes very alkaline soils[]. Prefers a soil that is only moderately fertile, succeeding in poor soils and in dry soils[[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Very drought and shade resistant[]. Tolerates maritime exposure[].
This is a potentially valuable fruit crop, fruiting as it does in mid to late spring[]. There are a number of named varieties[, ] and so there is plenty of scope for improving size and quality of fruit by selective breeding. Most cultivars are variegated and therefore slower-growing than the species[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[, ].
The small flowers have a sweet but pungent aroma. They pervade the garden for some distance on sunny days[].
Closely related to Elaeagnus glabra[].
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[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. About the size of a large blackcurrant, though the seed is also quite large[]. A nice sub-acid flavour when fully ripe but astringent if eaten before then[]. Can be made into preserves, drinks etc[]. The oval fruit is about 15mm long[].

Seed - raw or cooked. It can be eaten with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous[]. A taste vaguely reminiscent of peanuts[]. The seed contains 42.2% protein and 23.1% fat on a zero moisture basis[].

Medicinal

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[].

The leaves and the stems are concocted and used in the treatment of asthma, cough, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids etc[, ].

The seed is used to treat watery diarrhoea[].

The root is astringent and is applied to sores, itchy skin etc[, ].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be grown as a hedge in exposed positions, tolerating maritime exposure[]. Succeeds when planted under trees that have become bare at the base, in time it will scramble up into the tree and fill out the bottom[].
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[].