Native to the Russian Far East, China and Japan, Goumi is a very popular fruit in these regions and is now widely planted in many European gardens. Goumi forms a medium-size shrub growing to 6 ft. in height with attractive, silvery green foliage. Its white flowers bloom in the middle to the end of May and are very fragrant and loved by bees. Goumi is highly valued as a medicinal plant as well as for its edible fruit. Its medicinal uses include treating intestinal and stomach illnesses, improving circulation, and as a healthful elixir. The round, cylindrical, scarlet-red fruit is speckled with silver. Juicy and aromatic, its unique sweet-tart flavor resembles that of pie cherries. Very good eaten fresh, it is also used to make preserves. Dry the fruit and mix it with sugar for a delicious treat.