Silverthorn Elaeagnus pungens 'Fruitlandii'

Fruitland Elaeagnus is a large, dense, irregular mounded shrub that prefers full sun to partial shade. The shrub will grow 8-15 feet tall and wide. It is a cultivar of Elaeagnus pungens- a NC invasive plant

It tolerates a range of soil types, salt spray, wind, poor soil, heat tolerant and will survive under most conditions.  For the best performance, locate in an area with clay and alkaline soil.  The foliage can become denser when planted in a location that receives more sun and the plant will grow more rapidly.

Its showy foliage is used in floral arrangements.  New growth is a silvery color that will mature to an olive green dotted with silver scales.  The underside is a solid silver that is dotted with brown scales.  

Although it can adapt to most soil textures, when planting in heavy clay soils, it can benefit the health of the plant if the soil that is removed is replaced with a good potting mix or planting mix.  With this in mind, when the location includes sandy soil, use some compost or peat moss when planting to help retain moisture.  

Young plants can benefit from the application of fertilizer in late winter or early spring using a slow-release fertilizer or organic plant food. Regular maintenance can include the pruning of a broken branch or one that is somewhat out of place. When pruning, keep in mind that next year's blossoms will appear on old growth.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Its parent plant is considered invasive in NC and many other states and it has the potential to be weedy and invasive. See native alternatives to the left. 

More information on Elaeagnus pungens.