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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked[1][2][3][4][5]. Dry and mealy[6][7][8][9]. Good when added to soups they also make an excellent jelly[9]. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent[K]. The fruit contains a single large seed[K]. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be eaten with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous[K].

Fruit

Material uses

Plants can be grown as a hedge in exposed positions, tolerating maritime exposure. They have a rather open habit, however, and so do not afford a lot of wind protection. Because they fix atmospheric nitrogen, they enrich the soil and so make a very good companion hedge in orchards etc[K].

The fibrous bark is used in weaving, it has been twisted to make strong ropes and has also been used to make blankets and clothing[10][11]. Dried fruits are used as beads[10][11].

The berries have been used to make a soap[11].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

A strong decoction of the bark, mixed with oil, has been used as a salve for children with frostbite[11].

A decoction of the roots, combined with sumac roots (Rhus spp.), has been used in the treatment of syphilis[11]. This medicine was considered to be very poisonous and, if you survived it, you were likely to become sterile[11].

The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[12].

Unknown part

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge


Nitrogen fixer

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[13]. It should germinate in late winter or early spring, though it may take 18 months[K]. Stored seed can be very slow to germinate, often taking more than 18 months. A warm stratification for 4 weeks followed by 12 weeks cold stratification can help[14]. The seed usually (eventually) germinates quite well[13]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pot as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when they are at least 15cm tall.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, October/November in a frame[15]. The cuttings are rather slow and difficult to root, leave them for 12 months[16]. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months[13].

Division of suckers during the dormant season[3][6]. The larger suckers can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, but it is probably best to pot up smaller suckers and grow them on in a cold frame until they are established.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Elaeagnus commutata. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils that are well-drained[15], though it dislikes shallow chalk soils[14]. This last report conflicts rather with the record of its natural habitat, it should grow well on chalk[K]. Prefers a light sandy soil that is only moderately fertile, succeeding in poor and dry soils[6][15]. Requires a position in full sun[6][15]. Plants are very drought and wind resistant[1][6][15].

A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -40°c[17]. However, plants prefer a continental climate and are liable to be cut back in severe winters in Britain mainly because the wood is not fully ripened in our cooler summers. A moderately fast-growing plant[18]. The small flowers are deliciously scented[19]. This species does not normally require pruning but the plant can regenerate from very old wood and so can be cut back severely if required[18]. Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible[18]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[15]. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%. Often confused with E. angustifolia even though it is very distinct[20]. Plants produce suckers quite freely, often sending them up at some distance from the plant[182, K].

This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[21][15].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Elaeagnus commutata. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Elaeagnus commutata.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Elaeagnus commutata
Genus
Elaeagnus
Family
Elaeagnaceae
Imported References
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
2
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
  • Strong wind
  • Maritime exposure
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
Herbaceous or Woody
Life Cycle
Growth Rate
Mature Size
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type

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"image:Silber-Ölweide (Elaeagnus commutata) 5824.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Silber-Ölweide (Elaeagnus commutata) 5824.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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References

  1. ? 1.01.11.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.2 Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-5531-7 (1972-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.2 Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. (1950-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.1 Coon. N. The Dictionary of Useful Plants. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-090-x (1975-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.6 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.1 Saunders. C. F. Edible and Useful Wild Plants of the United States and Canada. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-23310-3 (1976-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.1 Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest. ()
  9. ? 9.09.19.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.110.2 Turner. N. J. Plants in British Columbian Indian Technology. British Columbia Provincial Museum ISBN 0-7718-8117-7 (1979-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.111.211.311.411.511.611.7 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
  12. ? 12.012.1 Matthews. V. The New Plantsman. Volume 1, 1994. Royal Horticultural Society ISBN 1352-4186 (1994-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.113.2 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
  14. ? 14.014.1 Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. ()
  15. ? 15.015.115.215.315.415.515.615.7 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  16. ? Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
  17. ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30258-2 (1989-00-00)
  18. ? 18.018.118.2 Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. ISBN 0-670-82929-3 (1990-00-00)
  19. ? Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
  20. ? ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press (1964-00-00)
  21. ? RHS. The Garden. Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society (1987-00-00)

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Facts about "Elaeagnus commutata"RDF feed
Article is incompleteYes +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupYes +
Belongs to familyElaeagnaceae +
Belongs to genusElaeagnus +
Functions asHedge + and Nitrogen fixer +
Has binomial nameElaeagnus commutata +
Has common nameSilverberry +
Has drought toleranceTolerant +
Has edible partFruit + and Seed +
Has edible useUnknown use +
Has environmental toleranceMaritime exposure +, High wind + and Drought +
Has fertility typeBees +
Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
Has growth rateModerate +
Has hardiness zone2 +
Has imageSilber-Ölweide (Elaeagnus commutata) 5824.JPG +
Has lifecycle typePerennial +
Has material partUnknown part +
Has material useBeads +, Fibre + and Soap +
Has mature height3 +
Has mature width1.5 +
Has medicinal partUnknown part +
Has medicinal useCancer +, Salve + and VD +
Has primary imageSilber-Ölweide (Elaeagnus commutata) 5824.JPG +
Has search nameelaeagnus commutata + and silverberry +
Has shade toleranceNo shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral +, Alkaline + and Very alkaline +
Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
Has sun preferenceFull sun +
Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
Has taxonomy nameElaeagnus commutata +
Has water requirementsmoderate +
Is deciduous or evergreenDeciduous +
Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
PFAF toxicity notes migratedYes +
Tolerates maritime exposureYes +
Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
Tolerates windYes +
Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Elaeagnus commutata +, Elaeagnus commutata +, Elaeagnus commutata +, Elaeagnus commutata +, Elaeagnus commutata +, Elaeagnus commutata +, Elaeagnus commutata + and Elaeagnus commutata +