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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. (info source: Learn2Grow.com)
Not available for sale in Wisconsin, New York, Maine
Genus - Elaeagnus
Species - Umbellata
Common name - Autumn Olive
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 5 - 8
Height - 12'-18' / 3.7m - 5.5m
Spread - 8'-15' / 2.4m - 4.6m
Plant type - Medium Shrub
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, Loam, Sand
Water requirements - Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Care level - Easy
Landscape uses - Very informal plants best employed as hedges, wind breaks or screens.
Germination rate - 85%
Bloom season - Late Spring, Early Summer
Leaf / Flower color - Green, Gray Green, Silver / Light Yellow, Silver
