The Many Benefits of the Autumn Olive
A balanced look at the controversial autumn olive, examining its surprising utility and practical applications alongside its known ecological challenges.
The autumn olive, or Elaeagnus umbellata, is a shrub with a complicated reputation. Introduced to the United States from Asia in 1830, it was once promoted for land management and ornamental purposes. While it is now recognized as an invasive species in many areas due to its aggressive growth, the plant also offers a range of overlooked benefits.
Nutritional and Edible Benefits
The small, red berries of the autumn olive are a notable source of nutrients. They are exceptionally rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and their concentration can be significantly higher than that of tomatoes. These berries also contain Vitamin C, another antioxidant that supports immune function.
Beyond their nutritional profile, the berries are a versatile ingredient. They have a unique flavor that combines tartness, sweetness, and astringency, which can be mellowed by cooking or frost. Foragers and gardeners use the berries to make jams, jellies, and fruit leathers, where their tartness is balanced with sugar. The juice can be extracted to create flavorful sauces or fermented into wine.
Environmental and Agricultural Uses
One of the most significant agricultural benefits of the autumn olive is its ability to fix nitrogen. The plant’s root system forms a symbiotic relationship with bacteria, creating nodules that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb from the soil. This process enriches poor or disturbed soils, acting as a natural fertilizer that can benefit neighboring plants. This quality led to its historical use in land reclamation projects on sites with depleted soil.
The plant’s physical structure also offers practical advantages. With its dense growth habit and extensive root system, autumn olive is highly effective for erosion control. It can stabilize soil on steep banks and roadsides, preventing soil loss from wind and water. This dense structure makes it an excellent candidate for use as a windbreak or a living fence. When planted in rows, these hardy shrubs can protect crops, soil, and livestock from harsh winds. Its thorny branches can also serve as a natural barrier, containing animals or marking property lines.
Value for Local Wildlife
The autumn olive provides considerable resources for a variety of animal species. Its abundant fruit production offers a valuable, late-season food source that persists into the colder months. Many bird species, including robins, cedar waxwings, and thrushes, flock to the shrubs to feed on the berries, which helps them build energy reserves for migration or winter survival.
In addition to food, the plant’s dense and often thorny branches provide important cover and shelter. Birds and other small animals find refuge from predators and harsh weather within the thick foliage. The sturdy, interwoven branches also create ideal nesting sites for songbirds.
Harvesting and Preparing Autumn Olive Berries
Harvesting autumn olive berries is a straightforward process timed for peak ripeness. The berries are ready in the late fall, from September to October, and are best picked when they are a deep red color, covered in silvery flecks, and soft to the touch. Many foragers wait until after the first frost, as the cold temperatures tend to sweeten the fruit and reduce its astringency.
An efficient method for gathering the berries involves placing a tarp on the ground beneath the branches. Shaking the limbs will cause the ripest berries to fall onto the tarp, a technique that is quick and helps avoid the shrub’s thorns.
Once harvested, the initial preparation is simple. The berries should be rinsed with cool water to remove any debris. For most culinary uses, the next step is to process them through a food mill or sieve. This separates the soft pulp from the large seeds, resulting in a smooth puree ready for use in recipes.
Invasiveness and Responsible Management
While the autumn olive has its uses, its capacity to spread aggressively is a significant ecological concern. In many parts of North America, it is classified as a highly invasive species because it rapidly colonizes open fields, forest edges, and disturbed lands. The plant grows in dense thickets that shade out and outcompete native vegetation, leading to a reduction in local biodiversity.
This competitive advantage stems from several traits. It leafs out earlier in the spring and holds its leaves later into the fall, blocking sunlight from native seedlings. Its nitrogen-fixing ability alters soil chemistry in ways that can favor other invasive species while discouraging natives. A single shrub can produce up to 200,000 seeds annually, which are widely dispersed by birds that consume the fruit.
Responsible management is necessary for anyone with autumn olive on their property. To prevent further spread, harvest all berries before birds can eat them and distribute the seeds. For controlling existing plants, hand-pulling small seedlings is effective. For larger shrubs, methods like cut-stump herbicide application may be required, and it is wise to check local extension office recommendations for approved control strategies in your area.