Bloom Period
Early Spring
Commercial Availability
Routinely Available
Fruit/Seed Abundance
High
Fruit/Seed Period Begin
Summer
Fruit/Seed Period End
Fall
Fruit/Seed Persistence
Yes
Propagated by Bare Root
Yes
Propagated by Bulb
No
Propagated by Container
Yes
Propagated by Corm
No
Propagated by Cuttings
No
Propagated by Seed
Yes
Propagated by Sod
No
Propagated by Sprigs
No
Propagated by Tubers
No
Seed per Pound
27600
Seed Spread Rate
Rapid
Seedling Vigor
High
Small Grain
No
Vegetative Spread Rate
None
Suitability/Use
Berry/Nut/Seed Product
No
Christmas Tree Product
No
Fodder Product
No
Fuelwood Product
Lumber Product
No
Naval Store Product
No
Nursery Stock Product
Yes
Palatable Browse Animal
Medium
Palatable Graze Animal
Low
Palatable Human
Yes
Post Product
No
Protein Potential
Low
Pulpwood Product
No
Veneer Product
No
Elaeagnus umbellata 'Cardinal' Cardinal Autumn Olive is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to eastern Asia, grown for both its ornamental value and its edible fruit. The leaves are bright green on top, silvery beneath, and the fragrant silvery-white flowers are loved by bees. The red fruit appears in the fall and is loved by birds, which may cause the plant to spread excessively. The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, and is juicy and pleasantly acidic. If picked under-ripe, the fruit will be astringent. The fruit is rich in sugars, proteins, and vitamin C, and is known to have 7-17 times the amount of the antioxidant lycopene as tomatoes, which can decrease the risk of prostate cancer. This cultivar, Cardinal, has green foliage and produces lots of fruit that is silvery at first and later turns scarlet. It is tolerant of drought, salt, and poor sandy soil, and is suitable for being used as a hedge or in erosion control. The harvested fruit stores for about 15 days at room temperature. The shrub grows to a height of 14 feet at maturity and has a rapid growth rate. It is available for purchase through routine commercial availability.