Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
Though a shrub, the Russian olive can get quite tree like in time.
Deciduous and very tough the Russian olive
is an excellent edition to any hedge, shelterbelt or wild-life/woodland garden as it fixes nitrogen in the soil to the benefit of surrounding plants. Once established, there are not many conditions this plant cannot tolerate, and its silvery foliage makes it decorative as well.
The fruit is an amber yellow with a silvery bloom and although a little mealy in texture is sweet when fully ripe and very good to eat.
It is commonly used in Turkey either fresh, stewed in milk, boiled with sugar or dried.