Thorny Elaeagnus, Thorny Silverberry, Thorny Olive e-le-AG-nus PUN-jenz
- Broadleaf evergreen shrub, 10-15 ft (3-4.5 m) high, equal spread, dense spreading, irregular habit
(esp. in shade). Branches brown, with thorns, 5-8 cm long. Leaves alternate,
simple, oblong-elliptic, 5-10 cm long, margins entire and undulate, tip acute, base wedge-shaped,
glossy dark green above, dull silvery below with clear or brown scales (spots) giving a silver sheen,
major veins are brown. Flowers perfect, silvery white, usually 3 in the leaf axils, fragrant,
12 mm long, tubular, appear in late fall or early winter. Fruit 1.5-2 cm long, brown at first and
- Sun to part shade. Less dense in shade. Adaptable to varied soils and can withstand
- Hardy to USDA Zone 6 Native to Japan.
- Caution: Elaeagnus pungens can become weedy and invasive; it is considered an invsive
species in several states in the southeastern U.S..
- pungens: sharp, spiny, refers to thorns.
- Oregon State Univ. campus: northeast corner of Reed Lodge on Jefferson Ave. near 35th St. It is
a reversion of the cultivar 'Maculata'.