Thorny Olive
Elaeagnus pungens · Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, evergreen leaf
Shape
Elliptic to ovate
Margin
Entire, often with distinctively wavy or undulate edges
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib
Key Features
Wavy leaf margins, dark glossy green upper leaf surface, dense silvery-brown scales on the lower leaf surface, and alternate arrangement on woody, often thorny stems
Description
Elaeagnus pungens is a large, sprawling evergreen shrub or small tree reaching up to 15 feet in height. It features arching branches, often spiny, with leathery leaves that display a striking contrast between their glossy green tops and silvery, scaly undersides. It produces small, fragrant, silvery-white flowers in autumn followed by red, scaly drupes.
Habitat
Thrives in disturbed areas, forest edges, open woodlands, and roadsides; highly adaptable to various soil types and drought conditions
Native Range
Native to eastern Asia (China and Japan); widely introduced and invasive in the southeastern and southern United States