Can you eat the berries from a Blueberry Ash tree?
Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus). The small fruits of this shrub, 5mm in diameter, contain a large seed. When the seed is firm it is astringent and unpleasant to eat; as the seed softens the fruit develops a floury taste. If the fruit is bright blue it can be eaten raw.
What does Blueberry Ash look like?
These are a stunning shade of bright blue, and resemble small (1cm long) olives. The most commonly used name of Blueberry Ash is derived from these pretty fruits, which attract birds like the Regent Bowerbird that collect them for their blue colour.
Are Blueberry Ash trees fast growing?
Blueberry ash are narrow, slow growing trees. Height ranges from 8m-15m depending on local conditions but they only spread 3m-4m wide. This natural narrow shape makes them useful as a screening or hedging plant.
Are Blueberry Ash trees messy?
You will find they tend to be messy and develop growth up high but not down lower after a few years. Of course there are exceptions but overall that is what is often the result. Re: Anyone grown this: Elaeocarpus reticulatus (Blueberry Ash)?
Does Blueberry Ash attract birds?
Great tree for wildlife The most commonly used name of Blueberry Ash is derived from these pretty fruits, which attract birds like the Regent bowerbird that collect them for their blue colour. Other birds that eat these fruits are Wonga Pigeons, Crimson Rosellas, Figbirds, White Headed Pigeons and Olive-backed Orioles.
Does Blueberry Ash have invasive roots?
The ‘Blueberry Ash’ is Elaeocarpus reticulatus, a versatile small evergreen tree suited to a range of climates. The root system is relatively non invasive and the Blueberry Ash can work well as a screening plant or windbreak.
How long do blueberry ash trees live for?
Longevity: In excess of 50 years.
How do you trim blueberry ashes?
However Blueberry Ash can be grown successfully as hedges. If you want to keep it low and use it as a hedge tip prune sides to encourage dense bushy side growth and prune the top when it reaches the height you require..
Are Blueberry Ash roots invasive?
Does blueberry ash have invasive roots?
How long do blueberry ash live?
Are blueberries ash frost tolerant?
It can be found growing along the east coast of Australia from Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria into Tasmania. Frost resistant, growing well in full sun to part shade, Elaeocarpus reticulatus is readily available for sale and is probably a little under used in Australia.
How tall does a blueberry ash tree grow?
Elaeocarpus reticulatus (Blueberry Ash) is a strikingly beautiful and hardy plant, which has many uses in a range of horticultural situations. Described as either a small tree or tall shrub, this evergreen species grows between 3-15m tall and 3-5m wide. It has a dense crown of foliage, and an approximately conical form.
Where did the blueberry ash get its name?
The common name is Blueberry Ash, because it produces many small bright blue berries about one centimetre in diameter after flowering. I planted my first Elaeocarpus reticulatus plant over twenty years ago in my garden in the northern Sydney suburb of Westleigh and have found it to be a hardy plant.
Where can I find blueberry trees in Australia?
This hardy small tree or tall shrub is an Australian native tolerant of a variety of conditions and can be found naturally along the Eastern coast of Australia from the northern parts of Tasmania extending through to Fraser Island in Queensland.
What kind of bird eats blueberry ash flowers?
The fringed flowers give the Blueberry Ash its common name of Fairy petticoats. Blue-tongues and other lizards, pigeons, cockatoos, parrots and currawongs all feed on the berries. It is the vibrant blue colour which attracts the Bowerbird.