Elaeagnus umbellata aka Autumn Olive

Taxonomy

Elaeagnus umbellata, also known as Japanese silverberry, umbellata oleaster, autumn olive, autumn elaeagnus, or spreading oleaster, is a hardy and aggressive invasive species native to eastern Asia, ranging from the Himalayas to Japan. It is a medium to large deciduous shrub or small tree with alternate, untoothed leaves that grow up to 3 inches in length. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green to grayish-green, while the lower surface is covered with silvery white scales. This species is able to colonize barren land and can be invasive in the central and northeastern United States and Europe, threatening native species by out-competing them and interfering with natural nutrient cycling and plant succession. Eleagnus umbellata can fix nitrogen in its roots, has sharp thorns, pale white to yellow fragrant flowers, and vibrant red berries.

Common names

Autumn Olive, Spreading Oleaster, Autumn Elaeagnus

How to care for Autumn Olive

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Autumn Olive is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Autumn Olive should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Autumn Olive loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Autumn Olive requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Spreading Oleaster is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Region of origin

Autumn Olive’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas.


More info:
Wikipedia