Elaeagnus x ebbingei "Gilt Edge" - Silverberry, Oleaster

Elaeagnus (Silverberry or Oleaster) is a genus of about 50-70 species of flowering plants in the Elaeagnaceae. The vast majority of the species are native to temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, with one species (E. triflora) extending south into northeastern Australia, and another species (E. commutata) restricted to North America. Another species (E. angustifolia) may also be native in southeasternmost Europe though may be an early human introduction there.

They are deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees with alternate leaves. The leaves and shoots are usually covered with tiny silvery to brownish scales, giving the plants a whitish to grey-brown colour from a distance. The flowers are small, with a four-lobed calyx and no petals; they are often fragrant. The fruit is a fleshy drupe containing a single seed; it is edible in many species, though generally lacking a good flavour. Several species are cultivated for their fruit, including E. angustifolia, E. umbellata and E. multiflora (gumi). Although they are cultivated more in China than elsewhere, they are growing in popularity in the rest of the world. E. umbellata has a high amount of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to decrease the likelihood of prostate cancer. E. multiflora is among the "nutraceutical" plants that Chinese use both for food and medicine. Both berries are small, but tasty and abundant.

Globe on trunk

Height: 130-150 cm
Width: from 30-40 cm
Trunk-height: 80-100 cm