Elaeagnus

Silverberry, GSBF-CN 259, September 12, 2008

SilverBerries1

宜梧 Elaeagnus oldhamii 20210225184946 01

Elaeagnus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Elaeagnaceae. The members of this genus are commonly known as silverberry, oleaster, or Russian olive, among other names. These plants are native to temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. Elaeagnus species are characterized by their shrubby or small tree form, often with silvery or rusty scales on the leaves and stems, which is a distinctive feature of the genus.

Description

Elaeagnus plants can be deciduous or evergreen. They typically have simple, alternate leaves that are covered with scales giving them a silvery or rusty appearance. The flowers are small, often fragrant, and usually white or yellowish, borne in clusters. The fruit is a drupe, often edible, and can be red, orange, yellow, or silver in color. The combination of fragrant flowers and attractive fruits makes Elaeagnus species popular in ornamental horticulture.

Ecology

Elaeagnus species are known for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with the soil bacteria Rhizobium. This allows them to thrive in poor soil conditions and makes them useful in soil stabilization and reclamation projects. They are also valued in permaculture and agroforestry systems for their nitrogen-fixing capability, which can benefit neighboring plants.

Uses

Beyond their ecological benefits, some Elaeagnus species are cultivated for their edible fruits, which are consumed fresh or used in jams and jellies. The fruit of Elaeagnus angustifolia, commonly known as Russian olive, is particularly noted for its nutritional value, containing high levels of vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids. However, it's important to note that in some regions, such as parts of North America, Elaeagnus angustifolia is considered an invasive species and its planting is discouraged.

Elaeagnus species are also widely used in landscaping and horticulture. They are valued for their drought tolerance, ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, and the ornamental qualities of their leaves, flowers, and fruits. Their dense growth habit makes them suitable for use as hedges, screens, or windbreaks.

Species

There are about 50-70 species in the genus Elaeagnus, including:

• Elaeagnus angustifolia – Russian olive
• Elaeagnus umbellata – Autumn olive
• Elaeagnus pungens – Thorny olive
• Elaeagnus multiflora – Goumi, cherry silverberry

Conservation

While some species of Elaeagnus are widely cultivated and even invasive in certain areas, others are rare and face threats from habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts are necessary to protect these species and their natural habitats.

See Also

• Nitrogen fixation
• Invasive species
• Permaculture
• Agroforestry