'Garnet' Autumn Olive

Garnet Autumn Olive is a striking cultivar of autumn olive that produces heavy crops of deep red, nutrient-rich berries in late summer to fall.

Autumn Olive is a hardy, deciduous shrub valued in permaculture plantings for its ability to fix nitrogen, improve soils, and support companion plants. Related to Goumi berries and Russian Olive (same genus), Autumn Olive is native to Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Himalayas), it was introduced to North America in the 1800s for windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. Growing 10–15 ft tall, it forms a dense, multi-stemmed shrub that is both cold hardy (Zone 3) and tolerant of poor soils and drought.

In late summer to early fall it produces heavy crops of small, tart-sweet fruits that are unusually rich in nutrients, especially lycopene and antioxidants. The fruit can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or made into preserves, sauces, and wines. Shrubs are self-fertile, though planting more than one can improve yields.

Because it enriches soils while producing food, Autumn Olive is widely used in permaculture and food forest systems. Its fragrant spring flowers attract pollinators such as mason bees, while its fruits are enjoyed by both people and birds.

Note on invasiveness: Autumn Olive has naturalized aggressively in parts of North America and is listed as invasive in Ontario and Alberta. For this reason, we do not ship Autumn Olive to Ontario or Alberta. If grown in other regions, it should be managed responsibly by harvesting fruit and preventing unwanted spread of seed.

Common names: Amber Autumn Olive, Autumnberry, Japanese Silverberry

Edible: Fruit
Harvest timing: Late summer to early fall

Scientific name: Elaeagnus umbellata 'Amber'
Light requirements: Full sun 
Full-grown size: 10-15'
Hardiness: Zone 3
Pollination: Self-fertile
Wildlife: Flowers are attractive to pollinators. Fruit are attractive to wildlife.
Origin: Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Himalayas)
Noteworthy: Nitrogen fixer with nutritious fruit.