Elaeagnus pungens
Common name:
Thorny Elaeagnus
Thorny Silverberry
Pronunciation:
e-le-AG-nus PUN-jenz
Family:
Elaeagnaceae
Genus:
Type:
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon:
No
- Broadleaf evergreen shrub, 10-15 ft (3-4.5 m) high, equal spread, dense spreading, irregular habit (esp. in shade). Branches brown, with thorns, 5-8 cm long. Leaves alternate, simple, oblong-elliptic, 5-10 cm long, margins entire and undulate, tip acute, base wedge-shaped, glossy dark green above, dull silvery below with clear or brown scales (spots) giving a silver sheen, major veins are brown. Flowers perfect, silvery white, usually 3 in the leaf axils, fragrant, 12 mm long, tubular, appear in late fall or early winter. 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 6 Native to Japan.
- There are several variegated cultivars in the nursery trade, a popular form is 'Maculata'; and an another selection is 'Clemson Variegated'.
- Caution: Elaeagnus pungens can become weedy and invasive; it is considered an invsive species in several states in the southeastern U.S..
- pungens: sharp, spiny, refers to thorns.
- Oregon State Univ. campus: northeast corner of Reed Lodge on Jefferson Ave. near 35th St. It is a reversion of the cultivar 'Maculata'.
Click image to enlarge
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plant habit
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leafy shoot
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leaf
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leaf, underside
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leaf surfaces
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new leaves
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fruit
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thorns
