Elaeagnus multiflora (Goumi)

Common Name: Goumi / Gumi do Japão / Cherry Silverberry

Scientific Name: Elaeagnus multiflora

Plant Family: Elaeagnaceae

Lifecycle: Perennial

Elaeagnus multiflora, known as Goumi or Cherry Silverberry, is a resilient shrub native to East Asia, cherished for its sweet-tart red fruits and nitrogen-fixing roots. In Zone 8a with Mediterranean leanings, it thrives with minimal care—perfect for food forests, edible hedges, or wild bird habitats. Its silvery leaves and juicy fruits make it a beauty and a workhorse in any permaculture system.

For in-depth guides and curated tools, be sure to check out our Recommended Books & Resources below.

Plant Profile

Characteristic	Information
Climate Suitability	USDA Zones 4–9; Köppen Csa–Cfa
Sun / Shade Needs	Full sun to partial shade
Watering Needs	Moderate once established
Soil Preferences	Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
Spacing & Height	1.5–2.5 m spacing; up to 3 m tall
Propagation Method(s)	Seeds, cuttings, or layering
Planting Timeline	Late winter to early spring
Companion Plants	Sour cherry, jacaranda, seaberry
Edible / Medicinal / Ecological Uses	Edible fruit, wildlife food, nitrogen-fixer
Pest / Disease Considerations	Generally pest-resistant; possible leaf spots
Pruning / Harvest Notes	Prune in late winter; harvest in early summer

Quick Plant Reference

• Care Level: Easy

• Optimal Sunlight: Full sun to light shade

• Water Needs: Moderate (drought-tolerant once mature)

• Mature Size: Up to 3 m (10 ft) height and 2.5 m (8 ft) spread

• Soil Type: Well-drained loam or sandy loam

• Humidity: Low to medium

• Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and animals

• Beneficial Pollinators: Bees, hoverflies, butterflies

• Health Benefits: Antioxidant-rich fruit; immune-boosting properties

• Chilling Hours: Not specifically required

• Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile but better yields with multiple plants

Our Elaeagnus multiflora Application @ Tough Kraut

We planted our Elaeagnus multiflora on February 23, 2023, in a hedge vision zone of our homestead—flanked by a sour cherry and Yellow jacaranda. In just over a year, it has grown to 1.8 meters. This corner is slowly transforming into a multifunctional edible hedge, designed to feed us, the birds, and the soil itself through natural nitrogen fixation and layered planting.

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

1. Choose the Right Site

Pick a sunny to partly shaded area with good airflow. It will tolerate poor soil but flourishes best in moderately fertile ground with minimal competition from aggressive root systems.

2. Prepare the Soil

Loosen the top 30 cm of soil and mix in organic compost. Avoid over-fertilizing—this is a nitrogen fixer that thrives in leaner soils.

3. Plant the Tree/Plant

Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball. Set the plant level with the soil surface and water in deeply. Mulch well to retain moisture.

4. Water Consistently

Water deeply every 7–10 days during the first year. Once established, Elaeagnus multiflora becomes drought-tolerant but appreciates occasional soakings.

5. Ensure Proper Pollination

Self-fertile, but productivity improves with cross-pollination. Plant another Elaeagnus nearby if space allows.

6. Prune Annually

Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and remove weak or tangled branches. Light thinning increases airflow and fruiting.

7. Manage Pests and Diseases

Generally pest-free, but occasional aphids or fungal spots can appear. Treat with neem oil or prune affected areas.

8. Harvest and Store

Fruits ripen early to mid-summer and drop easily when ripe. Harvest gently by hand. Eat fresh, freeze, or dry.

9. Note

Troubleshooting tip: yellowing leaves often indicate poor drainage or too-rich soil. Avoid overwatering and test for compaction if growth stalls.

Kraut Crew Insight

We didn’t expect it to grow so fast—but our gumi shot up to 1.8 meters in just over two years. Its resilience and root benefits make it a hedge cornerstone. This one’s here to stay.

Photos

February 23, 2023

July 30, 2025

Herman’s Tough Kraut Field Notes: Solving Goumi Cultivation Challenges

Our journey with Elaeagnus multiflora has been a smooth one so far—but every plant has its quirks. Below we answer your FAQs and troubleshooting concerns around growing this versatile shrub in Zone 8a.

Q: My gumi is growing fast—should I prune it back aggressively?

A: Light shaping is all that’s needed. Aggressive pruning reduces flower buds. Focus on airflow and shape, especially in young plants.

Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow mid-season?

A: Check soil drainage. These shrubs dislike soggy feet. Also consider excessive nitrogen from nearby compost piles or manure—balance is key.

Q: Do I need a second plant for fruit?

A: Technically, no—it’s self-fertile. But yes, if you want a better fruit load. More plants, more pollinators, more berries.

Q: Can I grow it in partial shade?

A: Yes, especially in hotter climates. Partial shade encourages deeper root growth without sacrificing fruit, though sun boosts yield.

Q: How do I integrate it into a permaculture hedge?

A: Combine it with flowering, fruiting, and root-structuring species. Think sour cherry for height, jacaranda for pollinators, and comfrey for mulch.

Recommended Books & Resources

Books

• Edible Forest Gardens by Dave Jacke & Eric Toensmeier

  A must-have for designing perennial food systems that include multi-use shrubs like Elaeagnus multiflora.

• The Resilient Gardener: Food Production and Self-Reliance in Uncertain Times by Carol Deppe

  Insightful on resilient crops, homegrown protein, and nutrient-dense fruits.

Resources

• Organic Neem Oil

  Ideal for tackling any pest issues naturally. Just a few sprays go a long way for keeping gumi leaves clean and productive.

• Tough Kraut Resources

  A field-tested collection of grafting gear, pruning tools, and organic sprays we trust on our own trees.

Entry last updated: 2025-08-01

This post is part of the Tough Kraut Plant Library, documenting what really grows on our off-grid homestead in Central Portugal.