Autumn Olive

Elaeagnus umbellata

Autumn olive shrubs have spread all over the east coast, since introduction as an ornamental. Like the thorny olive tree, its tasty fruits make it popular with wildlife and thus, it is easily dispersed. The shrub is dense and shades out native plant species.

The shrub grows to 20'. The oblong-shaped leaves (1" long) are silvery on the underside. In spring and early summer, white or yellow tubular flowers bloom in clusters. Small, red fruits appear in the fall. 

Fact Sheet: Autumn Olive

Photo credits:  (Above) Chris Moorman and Joe Neal
(Below) ​Photo credits (clockwise): Nancy Loewenstein, Auburn University, Bugwood.org; Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Forestry Archive, Bugwood.org; Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, Bugwood.org