Goumi, Cherry Elaeagnus
elaeagnus multiflora
Also known as: ["Gumi","Natsugumi"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to Asia, known for its small, edible, reddish fruits and fragrant, small white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Elaeagnaceae |
| Genus: | Elaeagnus |
| Botanical Name: | Elaeagnus multiflora |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various soil types
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with amendments.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after fruiting if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates some shade but may produce fewer fruits.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a container plant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid placing in dark corners.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Adaptable pH range (5.5–7.5); prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 90°F; prefers cool winters for dormancy.
Protect from frost in early spring; ensure good air circulation in hot weather; avoid placing near heat sources indoors.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced fertilizer
Fertilize lightly after pruning; avoid fertilizing newly planted or stressed plants; water thoroughly after fertilizing to prevent burn.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; layering in spring; seeds (stratification required for germination).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings in early summer.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when roots develop.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; early spring for layering; autumn for seed collection and stratification.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%); warm temperatures (70–75°F); partial shade until established.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or cactus mix; keep moist but not waterlogged.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; layering takes 6–12 months; seeds germinate in 3–6 months after stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagation dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to encourage bushier growth; selective removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to shape the plant, improve air circulation, and encourage fruit production; remove dead or diseased wood annually.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or fruiting.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim rootbound roots; replace with fresh, well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot container-grown plants every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; field-grown plants rarely need repotting.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold without protection.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or drop; growth may slow or stop; young plants are more susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with frost cloth in extreme cold; choose hardy cultivars for colder regions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; fruit may drop prematurely; growth may become stunted.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after application; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially nitrogen-rich formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicElaeagnus multiflora is not considered toxic to cats. The fruit is safe for feline consumption in moderation.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicElaeagnus multiflora is not considered toxic to dogs. The fruit is safe for canine consumption in moderation.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicElaeagnus multiflora, commonly known as gumi or goumi, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The fruit is edible and often consumed fresh or used in preserves and other culinary applications.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Elaeagnus multiflora edible?
A: Yes, its fruits are edible and often used in jams, jellies, and beverages.
Q: Does Elaeagnus multiflora attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and fruits.
Q: Is Elaeagnus multiflora drought tolerant?
A: Yes, it is highly drought tolerant once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Elaeagnaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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