Goumi

• Scientific Name: Elaeagnus multiflora
• Garden: Edibles and Herbs Garden
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous
• Sun/Shade Exposure: Full Sun
• Moisture Requirements: Moist, Well-Drained

Plant Information

Native to the Russian Far East, China and Japan, Goumi is a very popular fruit in these regions and is now widely planted in many European and American gardens. Goumi forms a medium size shrub growing to 6 ft in height with attractive, silvery green foliage. It’s white flowers bloom in the middle to the end of May and are very fragrant and loved by bees making it a fantastic pollinator. The juicy, scarlet-red fruit is speckled with silver and ripens in July. Aromatic with a flavor reminiscent of pie cherries, it is very good eaten fresh and also makes tasty preserves. As with other species in the genus Elaeagnus, E. multiflora plants are actinorhizal, growing in symbiosis with the actinobacterium Frankia in the soil. These bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it available in usable form for the host plant, and indirectly for other nearby plants. This feature allows the plant to grow in poorer soils than it could otherwise. Goumi likes full to half day sun, well-drained soil and usually begins bearing the 2nd year after planting. It is hardy to minus 25 degrees F., USDA Zone 4, and is pest and disease resistant. While Goumi is partially self-fertile, planting two varieties will produce crops. Latin Name: Elaeagnus multiflora Site and Soil: Sweet Scarlet ™ Goumi likes full to ½-day sun and well-drained soil. Pollination Requirements: Goumi is partially self-fertile. Plant Sweet Scarlet ™ Goumi with Red Gem ™ Goumi for cross-pollination and heavier crops. Hardiness: Goumi is hardy to minus 25° F. Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting Size at Maturity: 5-6 ft. in height Bloom Time: May Ripening Time: July Yield: 10-15 lbs. Pests & Diseases: Goumi is not bothered by pests or diseases.

Data Source