Elaeagnus berry

This American, very hardy, deciduous, and fast-growing shrub usually reaches a height of 3-4 m. After the (delightfully fragrant!) white blossoms, tasty, sweet-sour, bright red berries grow in full clusters, close to the wood of the branches. The berries can be eaten unsweetened directly from the plant and also taste good in salads, for example. As long as it doesn't freeze, you can continue to harvest from the plant, so you usually still have berries in December – what other plant can do that! The rest is for the birds or for decoration...
The special thing about the Eleagnus berry or Oleaster is that it can store nitrogen from the air for leaner times, or if the soil is very poor...! Give them a sunny to slightly shaded spot; rich soil is not very suitable for these shrubs. They are true pioneer plants that (just like sea buckthorn, to which they are related) tolerate even salt and very high temperatures well. The flowering contributes to the preservation of bee populations: they love them! Plant at least 2 shrubs for good pollination and fruit set.

Names:
Latin: Eleagnus umbellata / angustifolia
Dutch: Eleagnusbes
Also known as: Olijfwilg
English: Japanese Silverberry, Umbellata Oleaster, Autumn Olive, Autumn Elaeagnus, Spreading Oleaster