Family: Elaeagnaceae
Author: Thunb.
Bibliography: J.A.Murray, Syst. Veg. ed. 14: 163 (1784)
Year: 1784
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Elaeagnus
Vegetable: False
Observations: CC. & S. China to Korea, Kuril Is. to N. & C. Japan
Description
Cherry elaeagnus, scientifically known as Elaeagnus multiflora, is a remarkable plant native to the regions stretching from central and southern China to Korea, the Kuril Islands, and northern and central Japan. Classified within the Elaeagnaceae family, this valuable species was first described by Thunberg and later referenced by J.A. Murray in his 1784 publication, “Systema Vegetabilium.”
An interesting feature of Cherry elaeagnus is its resilience and adaptability, thriving in a variety of climatic conditions found in its native habitats. The plant often appears as a deciduous shrub but can also grow into a small tree, typically reaching heights of 1.5 to 5 meters. Its branches are adorned with silvery scales, giving the foliage a distinguished look that adds ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.
Elaeagnus multiflora is renowned for its delightful, cherry-like fruit, which ripen in early summer. These glossy red or orange drupes are not only visually appealing but also edible, offering a sweet-tart flavor. In addition to being a unique culinary ingredient, the fruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to their popularity in various traditional and modern recipes.
The plant is also distinguished by its tiny, fragrant flowers that bloom in spring. These yellowish-white blossoms are not only a visual and olfactory delight but also highly attractive to pollinators, thus playing a crucial role in local ecosystems.
Moreover, Cherry elaeagnus is prized for its hardy nature, being tolerant to both drought and poor soil conditions. This characteristic makes it a popular choice for erosion control and as a pioneer species in reforestation projects. It’s also valued for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, thereby enhancing soil fertility and supporting the growth of neighboring plants.
In summary, Cherry elaeagnus (Elaeagnus multiflora) is a multi-faceted plant with a broad geographical range and significant ecological, culinary, and ornamental benefits. Whether appreciated for its luscious fruits, resilient growth, or its contributory role in sustainable horticultural practices, this plant remains a cherished species across various regions and cultures.
Common Names
Eng: cherry silverberry, cherry elaeagnus
Fra: oléastre, goumi
Swe: japansk silverbuske
Deu: reichblütige ölweide
Nld: langstelige olijfwilg
En: Cherry elaeagnus, Cherry silverberry, Elaeagnus, Goumi
Zh: Mu ban xia, 木半夏
Hr: Goumi
Cs: Hlošina mnohokvětá
Nl: Langstelige olijfwilg
Et: Rohkeõieline hõbepuu
Fi: Japaninhopeapensas
Fr: Goumi, Goumi du Japon, Oléastre
Ka: Გოუმი
De: Reichblütige Ölweide
Ja: Natsu-gumi
Ru: Лох многоцветковый
Sv: Japansk silverbuske
Uk: Гумі
Synonyms
- Elaeagnus longipes var. angustifolia (Nakai)
- Elaeagnus multiflora var. tenuipes (C.Y.Chang)
- Elaeagnus longipes var. multflora ((Thunb.) Maxim.)
- Elaeagnus jucundicocca (Koidz.)
- Elaeagnus longipes (A.Gray)
- Elaeagnus isensis (Makino)
- Elaeagnus multiflora f. orbiculata ((Makino) Araki)
- Elaeagnus multiflora var. orbiculata (Makino)
- Elaeagnus longipes var. sulcata ((Makino) Honda)
- Elaeagnus longipes f. elliptica (Araki)
- Elaeagnus longipes f. pacifica (Araki)
- Elaeagnus multiflora var. ovoidea (Makino)
- Elaeagnus multiflora f. jucundicocca ((Koidz.) Araki)
- Elaeagnus umbellata var. siphonantha ((Nakai) Hand.-Mazz.)
- Elaeagnus multiflora f. oblongata (Araki)
- Elaeagnus multiflora var. gigantea (Araki)
- Elaeagnus multiflora var. angustifolia ((Nakai) Makino & Nemoto)
- Elaeagnus edulis (Siebold ex Carrière)
- Elaeagnus multiflora var. obovoidea (C.Y.Chang)
- Elaeagnus kiusiana (Nakai)
- Elaeagnus multiflora var. siphonantha ((Nakai) C.Y.Chang)
- Elaeagnus multiflora var. edulis ((Siebold ex Carrière) C.K.Schneid.)
- Elaeagnus multiflora var. parvifolia (Servett.)
- Elaeagnus sativa (Dippel)
- Elaeagnus siphonantha (Nakai)
- Elaeagnus multiflora var. sulcata (Makino)
- Elaeagnus longipes var. orbiculata ((Makino) Honda)
- Elaeagnus longipes var. ovoidea ((Makino) Honda)
Distribution
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Kentucky (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- Missouri (introduced)
- New Hampshire (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Rhode I. (introduced)
- Tadzhikistan (introduced)
- Tennessee (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Apr 10, 2019 by Laura Laura (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2019 by georges krug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2019 by georges krug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Krzysztof Golucki (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2019 by georges krug (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Anny Raim (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by laura peppuatt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Zdeněk Fajfr (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 27, 2021 by Alice Bussy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Krzysztof Golucki (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 18, 2020 by jude s (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 31, 2021 by Didier EYCHENNE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 5, 2020 by Rabecca Bennett (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2020 by Mark (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Anny Raim (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 13, 2020 by Jeffrey parnes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 13, 2020 by Jeffrey parnes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Anny RAIM (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Nov 20, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Dubytskyi Vladyslav (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Peter Vohwinkel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Anny RAIM (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3039272)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:323763-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Elaeagnus multiflora Thunb.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub