Where:
Found in old fields, open woods, forest edges,
roadsides, and other disturbed areas. Maps>

Identification:
A small, shrubby tree with a dense crown. It sometimes has thorns that form as spur branches. The leaves have silvery scales that turn greener later in the year. Flowers are pale yellow, almost white, and grow in clusters of 1 to 7. Ripe berries are red with silvery scales. The berries are tart, sweet and a bit astringent when eaten raw and get sweeter later in the fall. The berries have at least ten times more lycopene than fresh tomatoes.

When to collect:
Late summer and fall.

Which parts are edible:
Fruit and seeds.

Also known by the names: Japanese silverberry, umbellate oleaster, autumn elaeagnus, or spreading oleaster.