Elaeagnus pungens, commonly known as Thorny Olive, is an evergreen shrub native to open woodlands, forest edges, and plains in East Asia. It is a dense, spiny, branching shrub that can reach over 7 meters (23 ft) tall and 4 meters (13 ft) wide. The plant features small, tubular flowers that are yellowish or white and sweet-scented, blooming in the autumn. The fruit is a reddish drupe with silver scales, maturing in the spring. Thorny Olive is known for its rapid growth, with shoots that can extend aggressively into neighboring areas. The seeds are dispersed by birds, contributing to its invasive potential in non-native regions.

Elaeagnus pungens is valued for its hardiness and adaptability, tolerating heat, cold, wind, coastal conditions, and varying light from shade to full sun. It is very drought-tolerant and can thrive in a range of soil types, including poor soils. Its variegated cultivars, such as ’Maculata’ with gold leaf coloration, are popular for ornamental foliage. Common uses include hedges, screens, and as a robust ground cover in urban and coastal landscapes. In cultivation, it does best in full sun or part shade, with medium water requirements, and in soils with slow to fast drainage. However, gardeners should be cautious of its invasive nature and potential to outcompete native species.CC BY-SA 4.0