How to Grow Autumn Olive
Autumn Olive
Elaeagnus umbellata
shrubAutumn olive is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub that produces small, speckled red berries in fall with a tart, nutritious flavor. Native to Asia, it is widely naturalized in North America and is valued for its prolific fruit production, nitrogen-fixing ability, and wildlife benefits. The shrub is extremely hardy and adaptable, growing rapidly even in poor soils.
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Example Autumn Olive timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Autumn Olive
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Autumn Olive
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Autumn Olive dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; extremely cold-hardy and adaptable to most climates
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Get my Autumn Olive timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-6 weeksSmall plants with narrow, silvery-green leaves emerging from seeds. Growth is rapid from the start.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from strong winds. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung shrub developing a strong root system and woody stems. Plant reaches 2-4 feet tall during this phase.
Water regularly during dry spells. Prune lightly to shape the plant if desired. No fertilizer needed due to nitrogen fixation.
Vegetative Growth
Ongoing, years 2-3+Shrub grows vigorously, developing dense branching and silvery-green, narrow foliage. Can reach 6-10 feet tall.
Remove competing weeds. Prune to maintain desired shape and size. Can be pruned heavily and will regenerate.
Flowering & Fruiting
4-5 months (flowering through fruit ripening)Fragrant, small silvery-yellow flowers appear in spring (April-May in northern zones). Berries develop and ripen in late summer to fall (September-October), turning red with silvery speckles.
Avoid heavy pruning during flowering. Ensure adequate water during fruit development. A second plant nearby can improve pollination.
Dormancy
3-4 months (November-March)Plant enters dormancy in winter (deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on zone). Leaves yellow and drop; berries persist on branches.
Harvest remaining berries before they drop. Prune dead or damaged wood after winter. Plant remains dormant until spring warmth.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune infested branches; spray with horticultural oil in dormant season; ensure good air circulation
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Remove affected leaves; insects rarely cause serious damage; no control typically needed
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Prune out dead wood immediately; ensure good drainage and air circulation; avoid wounding branches
Uses
Fresh eating and preserves
CulinaryAutumn olive berries are tart but nutritious, with a mild apple-plum flavor when ripe. They are excellent eaten fresh, frozen, or made into jams, sauces, smoothies, and beverages. [source]
High-antioxidant superfood
MedicinalBerries are exceptionally rich in lycopene, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Traditionally used in Asian medicine; increasingly studied for cardiovascular and immune-supporting properties. [source]
Natural nitrogen fixation
HouseholdThe plant harbors nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Frankia) in root nodules, enriching soil and reducing the need for fertilizers. Excellent for permaculture, food forests, and sustainable land management. [source]
Wildlife food and habitat
WildlifeProlific fruiting provides late-season food for birds, wildlife, and pollinators. Dense branching offers shelter and nesting habitat. Particularly valuable in autumn when other food sources are scarce. [source]
Hedgerow and silvicultural use
CraftFast-growing shrub used to establish living hedgerows, shelter belts, and revegetation projects. Can be coppiced (cut back) and will regenerate vigorously, making it useful in sustainable forestry. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Berries ripen in late summer through fall (September-November depending on zone). Harvest when berries are fully red with silvery speckles and slightly soft to the touch. Pick berries by hand or shake branches over a cloth; ripe berries fall easily. For best flavor, harvest after the first light frost, which sweetens the berries. Eat fresh immediately, freeze for later use, or make jams, sauces, and smoothies.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Autumn olive berries contain 17 times more lycopene than fresh tomatoes, making them one of the richest natural sources of this powerful antioxidant.
- 🌱 The plant is considered invasive in some regions of eastern North America due to its rapid growth, heavy fruiting, and seed dispersal by birds; however, in other regions it is deliberately cultivated as a food and wildlife crop.
- 🌱 A single mature shrub can produce 50-100+ pounds of berries in a good year, and the plant can live and produce for 50+ years with minimal maintenance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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