26 September 13

Goumi (Eleagnus multiflora) has struggled mightily here considering its reputation as a widely adaptable plant, even in droughty and poor soil conditions. But this year, after a steamy late summer rain when the air is just starting to cool, we had a remarkable second growth.

Lammas growth, as it sometimes called, or second shoots - flushes of growth starting in late July and August. Goumis are known to be asynchronous as they flower in the spring but this feels extreme - crazy to see it flower and push new growth into September. The fruits are delicious but the real trick is nitrogen fixation.

Fruits have set but none have ripened, curious to see what happens next spring. The beginning of an upward trend…? Third growing season, started from a 6” seedling.