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Elaeagnus umbellata (Autumn olive)

Elaeagnus umbellata Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Elaeagnus umbellata el-ee-AG-nus um-bell-AY-tah Common Name: Autumn olive Genus: Elaeagnus
Autumn olive is a vigorous, deciduous shrub with pale yellow-white bell-shaped flowers to a half-inch long borne in late spring and early summer. Its silvery fruit turns red in fall and attracts birds. Wavy-margined leaves are silvery when they emerge and mature to bright green above.
Noteworthy characteristics: Invasive in the Mid-Atlantic region; spreads by birds eating the fruit and distributing the seeds.
Care: Grow in fertile soil in full sun.
Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer.
Problems: Occurring frequently: cankers, dagger nematode, dieback, rust, fungal leaf spots, and root rot.
Height 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Invasive/Aggressive Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Self Seeds; Showy Fruit
Bloom Time Early Summer; Late Spring; Spring; Summer
Flower Color White Flower; Yellow Flower
Uses Beds and Borders
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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