Autumn Olive
Elaeagnus umbellata · Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Elliptical to ovate with an acute apex and rounded to cuneate base
Margin
Entire (smooth), sometimes slightly wavy
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent midrib and looping lateral veins
Key Features
Distinguished by alternate, simple leaves with distinctive silvery-scaled undersides, young twigs covered in silvery or brownish scales, and small, silvery-scaled red berries dotted with silver spots
Description
Autumn Olive is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It features dense, tangled branches, often with thorns on older wood, fragrant pale yellow flowers in spring, and abundant speckled red berries in autumn that are heavily consumed by wildlife.
Habitat
Found in disturbed areas, forest edges, old fields, and open woods; highly adaptable to poor soils, drought, and various moisture conditions in full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea). Introduced to North America as an ornamental and for erosion control, where it is now widely naturalized and often invasive across the eastern and central United States