Elaeagnus umbellata – Autumn olive

Autumn olive can be found in areas with full sun and poor soil. They are nitrogen fixers so can grow in almost any environment.

The plant has leaves with silvery, speckled undersides. It produces small creamy yellow flowers in late spring. Small red, speckled berries are produced in the fall and can persist on the tree until early winter.

Berries can be picked in abundance from September-November.

Berries can be snacked on raw or turned into sauces or fruit leather. The taste is somewhat astringent with notes of pomegranate.

 

Berries are high in the antioxidant lycopene which supports heart health and could reduce cancer risk.

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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.