Spreading Oleaster Elaeagnus umbellata

This plant is problematic and alternatives should be considered.  Please see the suggestions in the left-hand column.

Autumn olive is an invasive deciduous shrub or small tree in the Elaeagnaceae (oleaster) family native to Afghanistan and eastern Asia. Elaeagnus means "olive tree" in Greek, and ubellata is Latin for "bearing umbles" in reference to the flower's inflorescence.  Grows quickly to a mature height of 10 to 16 feet and a width of 20 to 30 feet.  

Autumn olive grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist well-drained soils.  It becomes quite competitive even in poor soils by fixing nitrogen in its roots.  This plant survives where many other plants would struggle being highly tolerant of drought and erosion but it does not tolerate wet sites.

It has sharp thorns, pale white to yellow heavily fragrant flowers, and vibrant edible red berries.  Inside the fruits contingin thousands of tiny seeds that are dispersed by birds and small mammals.  It threatens native species by out-competing them and interfering with natural nutrient cycling and plant succession.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Japanse beetles feed on the leaves.  As mentioned, the plant is invasive in many areas of the USA especially the central and midwestern regions.