Elaeagnus umbellata is a species of flowering plant known as Japanese silverberry, umbellata oleaster, autumn olive, autumn elaeagnus, spreading oleaster, autumnberry, or autumn berry. The species is indigenous to eastern Asia and ranges from the Himalayas eastwards to Japan. It is a hardy, aggressive invasive species able to readily colonize barren land, becoming invasive in the central and northeastern United States and parts of Europe.
Description Vegetative characteristics
Elaeagnus umbellata is an up to tall, deciduous shrub or small tree with a dense crown.Parmar, C. and M.K. Kaushal. 1982. Elaeagnus umbellata. p. 23–25. In: Wild Fruits. Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi, India. NewCROP, New Crop Resource Online Program, Purdue University It bears sharp thorns. The alternate, long, and wide leaves have wavy margins. The are covered with minute silvery scales when they emerge early in the spring but turn greener above as the scales wear off during the summer. The underside is more intensely covered in the silvery scales, differing from the related E. angustifolia, which remains silvery until it sheds its leaves in the fall. The leaves have a prominent central vein with branching lateral veins. The epidermis is made of a single layer of cells. Generative characteristics
Flowers are fragrant, occur in clusters of white to yellow, are 8–9 mm in length and 7 mm in diameter, and have four lobes. They are an important source of nectar for pollinators such as bees. The fruit is a small round drupe in diameter.Dirr, M. 1998. Manual of woody landscape plants : their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes, Champaign, Ill. The unripe fruit is silvery-scaled and yellow. It ripens to red, dotted with silver or brown. The ripe fruits are pulpy, juicy and sweet, 3–9 mm in length, 5 mm in diameter, and average 137 milligrams in weight, with a thin skin covering the whole fruit. When mature, the red berries contain carotenoids, including considerable amounts of lycopene.
Distribution and habitat In its origin regions of tropical and temperate Asia, E. umbellata is not considered to be an invasive species, but in many world regions, it has become invasive across wild and cultivated areas, particularly in the eastern United States. In the early 19th century, E. umbellata was purposely introduced to the U.S. and the United Kingdom for shelter belts, erosion control, wasteland reclamation, wildlife habitat, and for gardens as an ornamental. By the late 20th century, the shrub became a noxious weed and invasive species in many U.S. states from the east coast to the central prairies, and spread widely across Europe. Due to its substantial seed production and avid germination potential, E. umbellata rapidly invades new areas where it can resprout readily after burning or cutting. Because E. umbellata stands are habitats for wildlife, such as providing forage and shelter for deer, nesting sites for birds, and berries as food for several species, it has been planted for wildlife management in parts of the U.S.
In Europe, E. umbellata has spread to the UK, Belgium, France, and Italy, but has been cultivated in the Netherlands and Scotland. In some parts of North America where it has become naturalized, E. umbellata is considered a noxious weed, particularly in the central and northeastern U.S.Species Profile – Autumn Olive, National Invasive Species Information Center, National Agricultural Library. Lists general information and resources for Elaeagnus umbellata. In Canada, it is a "prohibited noxious weed" under the Alberta Weed Control Act 2010.
Because it fixes atmospheric nitrogen in its roots, E. umbellata may grow vigorously and sometimes competitively in infertile soils.J.R. Clark, G.E. Hemery, and P.S. Savill. Early growth and form of common walnut (Juglans regia L.) in mixture with tree and shrub nurse species in southern England. Forestry (2008) 81 (5): 631-644 first published online September 5, 2008 doi:10.1093/forestry/cpn036 It can increase available nitrogen in soils and benefit some nearby plants, and when grown in orchards, it can increase yields of adjacent fruit trees up to 10%. However, its ability to change soil chemistry can severely alter or destroy native plant communities.
Uses The fruit with its sweet and tart flavor can be eaten fresh or processed for jam, condiments, flavoring, or used as a substitute for tomato.
Cultivated varieties
Charlies Golden - yellow fruits variety Ruby Elsberry Brilliant Rose Cardinal - American variety, selected 1963.d Jewel Delightful Sweet and Tart RedwingReich. L., Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden, Portland 2004., p. 117. Amber – yellow fruits, old Japanese varietyPirc, H. enzyklopaedie der wildobst und seltenen obstarten, 2020., Graz Turdus – German variety, on market since 1992.Bundessortenamt: Beschreibende Sortenliste 1999, ISSN 1430-9378, str. 54–58. Serinus – German variety, on market since 1992. Marzahne – German variety Sweet Milan - Polish variety Red Milan - Polish variety Powsin - Polish variety K2 - Polish variety
Gallery
References
External links
Elaeagnus umbellata images; Bioimages from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA Species Profile - Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), National Invasive Species Information Center, United States National Agricultural Library.