Permaculture plant: Elaeagnus pungens : Silverberry

In this episode, FeralKevin shows us an amazing permaculture plant in his garden -- Elaeagnus pungens, or silverberry, also called evergreen Elaeagnus. The fruit is high in lycopene, a cancer fighting agent, as well as Omega 3 according to some sources. Fruits in the late winter/spring!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• permaculture
• sustainability
• edible
• wild
• food
• foraging
• wildcrafting
• gardening
• alternative fruits

[feralkevin]

I have not figured out a fruiting pattern yet.  This year, lots of flowers, only one fruit.

[feralkevin]

Again, can anyone objectively define "invasive?"

[thanrose]

Indigenous to Japan and China, grows in fairly temperate climates, USDA zones 7-10. Withstands frosts. It can be invasive and is considered noxious in some areas.

[feralkevin]

Can anyone objectively define "invasive?"

[skyjss]

One Green World, in Molalla Oregon has Eleagnus x ebbingei because I bought mine there.

[TrevorsGarden]

Kevin, Have you figured out anything about the fruiting pattern yet? Perhaps ways to increase production? BTW where did you obtain your original stock from?

[bigfatcahoonas]

I would stress it to try and encourage fruit, make it think it might die so it will reproduce heavily, how you do that is for you to figure out. You could try planting heavy feeders round it something annual at first to see if it works, if it does go with a perennial that feeds heavily but put them close. By the way invasive for me would be anything that stops other plants with it's own natural spread.

[jbloch69]

I once read that plants can drop their flowers if their is not enough nitrogen, nutrients in th esoil a bit of manure might improve the number of fruit. rose macaskie.

[pillbug123]

Hey, I also like this plant. It is classified as a non native invasive in South Carolina which means it easily spreads (by birds) into wild areas and out competes native vegetation eventually displacing it. I like to consider it aggressive instead of invasive. The seeds are also edible but are reported to be best when roasted. I believe the flowers develop on new growth from one year old wood. I find more fruit will form with adequate light and moisture.

[daoen]

Oh, btw, does anyone know of a mail order company here in the US that carries Elaeagnus x ebbingei? I am having a heck of a time finding one. Peace!

[daoen]

It's my understanding that Umbellata is the elaeagnus that is mostly considered "invasive" while Pungens and Multiflora are less of a concern here in Georgia (not sure about elsewhere). I have one Pungens that, for two years, hasn't fruited nor have my multiflora. I do have some Umbellata and they have fruited but I will probably pull most out. Nice vid, thanks.