Autumn Olive
Elaeagnus umbellata
fruitAutumn Olive is a nitrogen-fixing shrub producing small, speckled red berries with tart-sweet flavor, excellent for jams and sauces. This hardy, adaptable plant tolerates poor soil, drought, and partial shade better than most berries. The berries ripen in fall and can persist on branches into winter, extending harvest season.
Common Problems
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Care Guide
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Light
Full sun to partial shade (4+ hours daily); tolerates lower light than most berries
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Water
Drought-tolerant once established; moderate watering during establishment and fruiting
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Soil
Tolerates poor, sandy, or clay soils; pH 5.5–7.5; nitrogen-fixing ability reduces fertilizer need
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Fertiliser
Minimal fertilizer needed; avoid excessive nitrogen which reduces fruiting
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Temperature
Hardy to zone 3; thrives in 50–75°F; tolerates extreme cold and heat stress
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Humidity
Low to moderate humidity; excellent wind tolerance
Toxicity
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Berries are edible and non-toxic; no known toxicity concerns
Common Diseases
Common Pests
Seasonal Care
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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.
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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.
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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.
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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.