Autumn Olive
Elaeagnus umbellata · Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Elliptical to ovate
Margin
Entire (smooth) and slightly wavy
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent central midrib and looping lateral veins
Key Features
Distinguished by the alternate, simple leaves with distinctive silvery-scaly undersides, brown-scaled twigs, and small red fruits speckled with silver dots
Description
Autumn Olive is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows up to 15-20 feet tall with a dense, spreading canopy. The twigs and undersides of the leaves are heavily coated in silvery and brown scales, creating a frosted or metallic appearance. It produces small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers in spring followed by abundant red, speckled fruits in autumn that are heavily consumed by wildlife.
Habitat
Thrives in disturbed areas, old fields, forest edges, and roadsides; highly adaptable to poor soils, drought, and full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to eastern Asia (including China, Japan, and Korea); introduced to North America as an ornamental and wildlife plant, where it is now widely naturalized and often considered invasive