Russell Stafford
Family
Elaeagnaceae
Botanical Name
Elaeagnus umbellata
Plant Common Name
Autumn Olive
General Description
Though native to China, Korea and Japan, autumn olive has become naturalized across all of eastern North America since its initial introduction in 1830. The silvery red berries of this large deciduous shrub are produced in profusion and eaten and spread by birds and other wildlife. Tough and fast-growing, the autumn olive was once favored as a roadside shrub because it creates fast cover and fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. It has since fallen into disfavor because it is a proven invasive species that aggressively crowds out native species.
The silvery branches of autumn olive have branch spurs armed with substantially long thorns. The simple, elliptical, bright green leaves are alternate and have silvery gray scales on their undersides. Pretty, fragrant clusters of tubular, four-petaled flowers of palest yellow are produced in spring to early summer. These also have silver scales on the outside. Clusters of red, berry-like drupes are produced in fall. These also covered with a smattering of silvery scales. Birds and other wild animals relish the fruits that remain on the branches into early winter.
Elaeagnus are durable shrubs that tolerate most soils as long as they are moderately well-drained. All species fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, a characteristic that allows them to grow better in poorer soils. Full sun is preferred but shade is tolerated. Most silverthorns are very resistant to salt and wind as well as pests and diseases. These large shrubs generally need plenty of room to grow and may require regular pruning to keep the long branches in check. They are very informal plants best employed as hedges, wind breaks or screens.
Because of its invasive nature, it is advisable to refrain from planting autumn olive in North America or other countries where it has become weedy and problematic. To learn more about the invasive nature of this shrub, visit the USDA's National Invasive Species information Center at http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/autmnolive.shtml
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 8
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
12'-18' / 3.7m - 5.5m
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Width
8'-15' / 2.4m - 4.6m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Eastern Asia, China, Japan, Korea
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Yellow, Silver
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Fruit Color
Light Yellow, Silver
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green, Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gold, Tan, Silver
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Bark Color
Dark Green, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Edible, Foundation, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
Yes
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Attracts
Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
