Elaeagnus multiflora aka Cherry Elaeagnus

Elaeagnus multiflora is a shrub in the Elaeagnaceae family. People call it goumi, gumi, or cherry silverberry. Its native range spans central and southern China to Korea. It also grows in the Kuril Islands. The range includes northern and central Japan too. In China and Japan, it grows in open woods and thickets. It also grows at woodland edges. It comes from regions with a temperate climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Goumi forms a round shrub, though some plants look more oval. Garden plants reach about 6–10 feet (1.8–3.05 metres) tall. They can spread to 10 feet (3.05 metres). The shrub sheds its leaves or keeps some through winter. Brown scales coat the young twigs. The oval leaves grow up to two inches long. Their tops are dark green. Their lower sides look silver and bear small brown scales. This mix of shades gives the leaves much of their garden appeal.

Small, silver-white flowers open in spring, mostly from April to May. Chicago Botanic Garden also gives May to June as bloom time. Each flower has a bell shape but no petals. The small blooms have a pleasant scent. Bright red fruits that look like cherries follow in summer. July is a noted month for ripe fruit. The fruits are edible, and each holds one seed. The evidence supports eating the fruit. It gives no safety assessment for other parts of this species.

Grow goumi in full sun or part shade. It suits average soil with moderate moisture and good drainage. It grows in a wide range of soils. But it dislikes wet ground that does not drain well. Once its roots take hold, it copes well with drought. Missouri Botanical Garden gives USDA zones 4–9 for winter hardiness. The shrub fixes nitrogen and needs little care. Cuttings are the preferred way to grow more plants. Seeds can take two years or longer to sprout.

Gardeners grow goumi for its fruit and its looks. It can form a screen, loose hedge, or background planting. It also works as a single specimen and draws birds. Reports note no serious insect or disease problems. But plants may sow their own seeds around the garden. Birds and other animals spread seeds beyond the planted sites. Goumi has escaped into natural areas in some US regions. There, it shows mild signs of invasive growth.