Elaeagnus pungens 'Clemson Variegated'
Common name: 
Clemson Variegated Thorny Elaeagnus
Clemson Variegated Thorny Silverberry
Pronunciation: 
e-le-AG-nus PUN-jenz
Family: 
Elaeagnaceae
Genus: 
Elaeagnus
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Broadleaf evergreen shrub, 10-10 ft (3-3 m) high, irregular habit.  Branches brown, with thorns, 5-8 cm long.  Leaves alternate, simple, elliptic, 5-10 cm long, vareigated, central area yellow and gold surrounded by a narrow dark green margin.  Flowers appear in fall, small, silvery white, fragrant.  Fruit 1.5-2 cm long, brown at first and then red.
  • Sun to part shade.  Less dense in shade.  Adaptable to varied soils and can withstand considerable drought.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 7    Apparently an old selection, some of the more mature Clemson Univ. Tigers say it was on the campus in the 1950s.  It is unclear as to whether it originated as a branch spot or as a seedling.
Click image to enlarge
  • leafy shoot

    leafy shoot

  • leaves

    leaves