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), sometimes slightly wavy
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent midrib
Key Features
Distinctive silvery-dotted upper leaf surface, completely silvery-brown scaly lower leaf surface, alternate arrangement, brown scaly twigs, and small red dotted berries in fall
Description
Autumn Olive is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It features distinctive silvery-green foliage, fragrant pale yellow or cream-colored flowers in spring, and abundant red fruits speckled with silver dots in autumn. The branches often have thorny spurs.
Habitat
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, adaptable to poor soils, drought-tolerant, commonly found in abandoned fields, pastures, forest edges, and roadsides
Native Range
Native to eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea). Widely introduced as an ornamental and for erosion control in North America, where it is now an invasive species across the eastern and midwestern United States