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 entire margin
Margin
Entire (smooth edges, though sometimes slightly wavy)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent midrib and upward-curving secondary veins.
Key Features
The most definitive feature is the silvery-white underside of the leaves covered in tiny metallic scales, combined with alternate leaf arrangement and small brown scales on the young stems.
Description
Autumn olive is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall.
Habitat
Thrives in disturbed areas, old fields, forest edges, and open woodlands. Highly adaptable to poor, dry soils and tolerates drought well due to its nitrogen-fixing capabilities.
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 considered invasive in many eastern and Midwestern states.