Almost all olive willow species produce fruit from their flowers. Some of them are not edible, but not poisonous either. Others are edible and, due to their high vitamin C content, are not only appreciated by birds.
Some varieties of oleaster bear edible fruit
The genus of oleasters (Elaeagnus) consists of a large number of species that differ in their leaf and flower colouring, flowering time and fruiting. So you will z. For example, the fruits of the wintergreen olive tree (Eleagnus ebbingei) are rarely seen in our latitudes due to their late flowering period. Also, they are not edible.
Other oleaster species are not only cultivated as ornamental trees, but also as useful plants in regions with mild winters due to their fruit yield. The berries of the following Elaeagnus species in particular are suitable for consumption and are often made into jellies and jams:
- Rich flowering oleaster (Elaeagnus multiflora),
- coral oleaster (Elaeagnus umbellata),
- Narrow-leaved oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia).
Variety of leaves, flowers and fruits in the oleiferous pastures
The different oleasters differ mainly in their leaves. Countless shades are represented, from dark green to yellow-green. The flowers of the oleaster are usually white, have a pleasant scent and are popular with bees because of their sweet nectar. Some Elaeagnus species are only planted in ornamental gardens for their ornamental fruits. The berries also vary in colour, ranging from bright red to reddish brown. They are small, round or oval.
When there is no yield
Basically, the climate in many areas of Central Europe is not warm enough for the ripening of the oleaster fruit. The lack of fruit can also have other causes. Many oleaster species are self-fertile, but you can also get a self-sterile specimen. With a second plant, however, fertilization should usually work.
tips
The other fruit trees benefit from the proximity of the olive grove, a higher yield is observed with them. This is due to the ability of the willow tree to convert atmospheric nitrogen in its roots and in this way to produce its own fertiliser.