Elaeagnus umbellata

(Autumn Olive) An unusual and enchanting large shrub native to the thin, hillside woods of China and Japan, Elaeagnus umbellata has masses of tiny, elusively fragrant flowers in early summer.

Sniff the air close to the flowers and you may not smell anything, turn your back to walk away, and the delightful perfume could well stop you in your tracks.

These flowers are followed by edible and juicy, orange fruit after a good warm summer. The fruit are rich in vitamin C, tasty raw and can also be made into jams, preserves although the seeds should be removed where possible as they are quite fibrous.

A wonderfully scented garden plant!