Elaeagnus umbellata aka Autumn Olive

Elaeagnus umbellata is known as autumn olive or autumnberry. It belongs to the oleaster family, Elaeagnaceae. Its native range stretches from Afghanistan to temperate eastern Asia. This includes China, Japan, Korea, and the Himalayan region. It forms a large shrub or small tree. Most sources describe it as deciduous, losing leaves each year. It reached the United States in the nineteenth century.

Its branches arch outward to form a broad crown. Garden plants often reach 10–16 feet [3–4.9 metres] tall. They can spread 20–30 feet [6.1–9.1 metres] wide. Other sources describe smaller plants with a more equal spread. RHS size bands allow heights of 26 feet [8 metres]. Growth is fast, and roots can send up suckers. Young twigs bear silver scales and may carry sharp thorns. Older stems turn brown, while gray bark cracks and peels. The simple leaves grow alternately along the stems. Their edges wave but lack teeth. Young leaves look silver, then turn green above. Their undersides retain a silver cast, sometimes with brown scales. The leaves offer little fall color.

Small, scented flowers grow in clusters beside the leaves. Their tubes range from pale white to creamy yellow. Flowering falls between April and June, depending on location. Small drupes follow, each holding a single seed. The fruit starts silver-yellow and turns red as it ripens. Silver or brown scales remain on the skin. Fruit ripens in fall and tastes both sweet and tart. People eat ripe fruit fresh, cooked, or dried. They also use it for jams and preserves. Unripe fruit has a strong astringent taste. PFAF also lists the seeds as edible. NC State lists no toxicity to cats, dogs, or horses.

Autumn olive grows in sun or partial shade. It prefers moist soil that drains well. It tolerates drought, poor soil, and several soil types. Its roots fix nitrogen, helping it compete on poor sites. Wet ground and poor drainage do not suit it. Missouri Botanical Garden gives USDA zones 4–9; RHS rates it H5.

Past uses included windbreaks, erosion control, screens, and wildlife cover. Birds and small mammals eat fruit and spread seeds. Fast growth, suckers, and seed spread can displace native plants. Several states restrict its sale, and sources discourage residential planting. Japanese beetles and periodic cicadas can damage leaves. RHS reports few routine pests or diseases. Possible diseases include honey fungus, coral spot, and fungal leaf spot.