Autumn Olive

(Elaeagnus umbellata)

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Elaeagnus umbellata, commonly known as Autumn Olive, is a deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and riparian zones in East Asia, South Asia, the Himalayas, Korea, and Japan. It typically grows up to 3.5 meters (11 ft) tall and is recognized for its dense crown and occasional sharp thorns, which are modified branches. The shrub produces clusters of small, fragrant white to yellow flowers with a four-lobed corolla, each about 1 cm long, blooming in spring and attracting numerous pollinators such as bees. The fruit is a round drupe, measuring 0.65 to 0.85 cm in diameter, ripening to a red color speckled with silver or brown. The fruits are edible, with a pulpy, sweet taste when ripe.

Autumn Olive is valued for its fragrant flowers, edible fruits, and ability to thrive in a range of soil conditions. It is often used for wildlife habitat restoration, erosion control, and as an ornamental plant in gardens. However, it requires careful management as it can become invasive outside its native range, outcompeting native species. In cultivation, it adapts well to full sun or part shade, and tolerates various soil types with different drainage capabilities. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread aggressively through both root suckers and seed dispersal.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 10-14 feet
  • Width: 1.5-2.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hedges, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges, and riparian zones in East Asia, South Asia, and Japan

Other Names

Common Names: Japanese Siverberry , Umbellata Oleaster , Autumnberry , Spreading Oleaster , Autumn Elaeagnus , Autumn-Olive , Doldige Ölweide , Chalef En Ombelles , Oléastre À Ombelles , Schermolijfwilg

Scientific Names: Elaeagnus umbellata , Elaeagnus umbellata var. coreana , Elaeagnus umbellata var. parvifolia , Elaeagnus parvifolia , Elaeagnus praematura , Elaeagnus crispa , Elaeagnus coreanus , Elaeagnus salicifolia , Elaeagnus convexolepidota , Elaeagnus fragrans

GBIF Accepted Name: Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.