Autumn olive

Elaeagnus umbellata

Layer 3 · Shrubs
Nitrogen fixer

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Native to East Asia, it is a very hardy deciduous shrub, capable of tolerating drought and poor soils. In an agroforestry system or food forest, it plays the vital role of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, promoting fertility and the growth of neighbouring plants. In addition to its regenerative function, it produces an abundant harvest of berries in autumn.

It is harvested now — September is one of the harvest months.

See which trees autumn olive grows well with

Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Low
Light: Full sun
Size: Shrub up to 4 m
Mature diameter: 3.5 m
Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Limestone
Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean, Mountain / cold

Calendar

January
February — Planting
March — Planting
April
May
June
July
August
September — Harvest
October — Harvest — Planting
November — Planting
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: The fruits are rich in lycopene and antioxidants with an astringent action.

Where to buy

Grows well with

Central trees this plant has already been paired with.

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.