The most compact, desirable and hard-to-find member of the nitrogen-fixing eleagnus family. Goumi bushes (also known as Gumi or cherry silverberry) are usually only 3m (6') high and wide at maturity. The slender leaves are dark green on the upper side and silvery below which creates a shimmering effect when a light breeze stirs the foliage. In late spring the bush is covered in a fragrant haze of small yellow flowers followed by a glossy, cherry-red fruits flecked with silver. They contain a single hard seed and have a sprightly, refreshing flavour.
Although Goumi plants are not easy to propagate, they make a hardy, trouble-free shrub that works well as an understory plant in permaculture settings or as a fruiting hedge. This is one of several cultivars selected at the famous Botanic Gardens in Kiev, Ukraine.

(Eleagnus multiflora 'Red Gem'))
In mid-summer, the bush is loaded with tasty scarlet jewels almost the size of a small pie cherry. The juicy sweet/tart berries are excellent for pies, jellies and sauces as well as for fresh eating. The bush tends to start bearing at 2-3 years old. Fruit ripens in August.

SEMI-FERTILE* | ZONE 4/5 | HARVEST: AUG