Our mystery seed last week was from an autumn olive, Elaeagnus umbellata.

autumn-olive-leaves-222-betterAutumn olives are deciduous perennial shrubs that were planted extensively throughout eastern North America as windbreaks and food for wildlife. The ripe fruit are edible and a favorite with birds.

autumn-olive-plant

Autumn olive is originally from Asia. Some states now list the plant as invasive, because it can aggressively take over and drive out native plants.

autumn-olive-fruit=good-1On the other hand, there has been some interest in developing the fruit as a crop. Selective breeding has lead to commercial varieties. Some are called “autumnberry,” a more palatable name than “olive.”

autumn-olive-underside-leaves

The name olive probably comes from the silvery underside of the leaves which makes them resemble gray-green olive trees.

mystery-seed-224-1

By the way, I was referring to the common name olive when I gave the hint about pits last week.

autumn-olive-seeds-hurst(Photograph by Steve Hurst, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

The seeds may not look like pits, but they do have interesting ridges.

autumn-olive-flowers-garland(Photograph by Mark A. Garland, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

The flowers form cream-colored bundles in the early spring. The fruit ripens in the fall.

What has your experience been with autumn olive? Have you ever tried the fruit?