The autumn olive, as usual, is producing controversially bumper crops!
This invasive species is ripe from late summer (now) into early fall. Each bush varies in flavor and sweetness throughout the season. It is not difficult to harvest gallons per hour making this a good berry to put away for throughout the year.
Although it is not a berry it is considered aggregate it's bright red color makes it easy to spot and it's wonderful sweet tart taste makes it hard to gather. I tend to eat more than I gather. Three cups can be enough for a pie or muffins,Jam, or you can eat them in only a few minutes. It does not seem to have a preference to shade or sun although some sun adds to the size and sweetness. We are around 3000 ft. though I have seen them at higher elevations.It is a non native coming from China through Europe. Considered by some to be invasive. One of my favorite berries.Prefers slopes with good drainage and woodsy soil.
