Ebbinge's silverberry

Profile

Family

Elaeagnaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

4.5 m

Spread

5 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

40 years

First yield

after 5 years

Hardiness

zone 6–9

Shade tolerance

full shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

very dry – very moist

pH

6 – 7.5

Synonyms

Winter-Ölweide

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: The fruit is approximately 20 mm long and 13 mm wide, containing a large seed. When fully ripe, it has a rich flavor with a slight acidity. To be fully ripe, they should be deep red and very soft; otherwise, they taste astringent. The taste improves if the fruits are stored for one to two days after harvesting. The fruit ripens over a period of about 6 weeks from early to mid-April to May. The seeds can be eaten raw or cooked and vaguely resemble peanuts.

Medicinal: The fruit of many members of this genus is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C, and E, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds. It also contains essential fatty acids, which is unusual for a fruit. Studies indicate that it can reduce the risk of cancer and inhibit or even reverse the growth of cancer cells.

Other uses: Plants can be grown as hedges in exposed locations, tolerating maritime conditions. They provide good wind protection, resist salt winds, and withstand regular pruning. Due to their vigorous growth, they grow faster than E. macrophylla. By binding atmospheric nitrogen, they enhance the growth of neighboring plants. They can be planted in an existing row of trees to fill empty spaces and cover the lower parts of the trees.

Growing

A plant that is easy to grow in most well-drained soils, thriving in moderately fertile as well as poor and dry soils. Once established, it is drought-resistant and can even grow on dry stone walls with soil between two vertical layers of stones. It tolerates shade well and grows nicely under trees. The plants are highly tolerant of maritime exposure and thrive right by the coast. They are hardy down to about -20°C but can be deciduous in very cold winters. With fruit ripening from April to May, this plant has excellent potential as a commercial fruit plant. The fruit is of decent size and very suitable for dessert when fully ripe. Improving fruit size and taste through selective breeding should be relatively straightforward. Not all plants bear many fruits, although many have been seen to consistently produce heavy yields. Being a hybrid, yields can be enhanced by growing a selection of varieties or one of the parent plants nearby for cross-pollination. E. pungens may be the best candidate for this, with its variety E. pungens 'Variegata' already observed to yield good fruit alongside E. x ebbingei plants, which are also fruit-bearing. The variety E. x ebbingei 'Gilt Edge' is likely a good pollinator as well. Other varieties worth considering are 'Salcombe Seedling', known to bloom more abundantly than the species, and 'Limelight', which has been seen to bear good fruit on small bushes. This species has a symbiotic relationship with specific soil bacteria that form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant, but a portion can also be used by other nearby plants. As an excellent companion, it can increase fruit tree yields in orchards by up to 10%. The plants produce highly aromatic flowers in late autumn and early winter. This species is notably resistant to the honey fungus. Sometimes entire branches die off for no apparent reason, most commonly when grafted onto E. multiflora. These branches should be removed from the plant.

Propagation

Seeds - This is a hybrid and not true to type from seed. If this is not an issue, sow the seed immediately after ripening in a cold frame. It should germinate freely within 4 weeks, although it can take up to 18 months. Stored seed may germinate very slowly, often over 18 months. A warm stratification for 4 weeks followed by 12 weeks of cold stratification can help. The seed usually germinates quite well. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle, and plant them out when they are at least 15 cm tall. Semi-ripe wood cuttings, 7 - 10 cm with a heel, in July/August under a frame. Rather slow, but you usually get a good percentage of rooting. June is the best time to take cuttings. Hardwood cuttings of the current year's growth, 10 - 12 cm with a heel, in November under a frame. Leave them for 12 months. Fair to good percentage. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months.

Notable

Special features: drought+(sea)wind+pruning+shade-tolerant a cross between E. pungens x E. macrophylla; Good varieties: 'Limelight' & 'Gilt Edge'; E. cordifolia is said to fruit better according to PFAF, but is not sold anywhere; improves the soil+increases yields of surrounding plants by 10%, requires genetically different partner for pollination

Origin & habitat

A garden hybrid, E. macrophylla x E. pungens or E. x. reflexa.

Bright deciduous forests, hedges, road edges, clearings, etc., that prefer a sunny position and a calcareous soil.

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