Autumn Olive
Elaeagnus umbellata · Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Elliptic to ovate
Margin
Entire (smooth) with slightly wavy edges
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent midrib and looping secondary veins
Key Features
Alternate simple leaves with distinct silvery, scaly undersides, brown scaly twigs, and small red berries with silver dots appearing in the fall
Description
Autumn olive is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It features dark green leaves with striking silvery undersides, fragrant pale yellow or cream-colored flowers in spring, and an abundance of small, round, red speckled fruits in autumn that are favored by wildlife.
Habitat
Thrives in disturbed areas, old fields, forest edges, roadsides, and open woods; highly adaptable to poor soils and drought conditions
Native Range
Native to eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea); widely introduced and invasive in eastern and central North America