Jewel

Autumn Olive

Size

Medium - sources conflict (one calls it "somewhat smaller" than average, another calls it "large"); flagged rather than picked

Shape

Round, red

Flavor

Sweet, intense and flavorful - the most flavorful of this group per some listings, with the highest tested lycopene content of any autumn olive variety per one source

Texture

Not specifically documented (species is generally juicy)

Ripening window

September

Best uses

Fresh eating, juice, jam, wine, pies

Pollination

Self-fertile, though cross-pollination improves yield

Tree size

8-10 ft; grows best on deep, moderately-well to well-drained, coarse-textured soils

Notes

Elaeagnus umbellata. Drought tolerant, generally pest/disease-free, nitrogen-fixing. Sourced from the Hidden Springs Nursery (Hector Black) collection, same lineage as Charlie's Golden, Garnet, and Ruby. Zones 3-8, hardy to about -35F - comfortably covers zone 8a. Not currently banned or regulated as invasive in Texas (see Amber's notes for the full regulatory picture) - still produces viable bird-dispersed seed, so harvest fully and watch for volunteers as good practice. Don't confuse with an unrelated "Jewel Gooseberry" sold by some of the same nurseries under a similar name but a completely different fruit.