How to identify Thorny olive (Elaeagnus pungens)

How to identify Thorny olive (Elaeagnus pungens)

Thorny olive, also known as Silverthorn, Autumn-olive

Thorny olive is characterized by its extensive trailing branches and its capability to appear vine-like. The plant's leaves are notably green with a distinct silvery scale on the underside, while the petioles and major veins feature brown scales. Its stems are equipped with sharp, scaling thorns that assist in climbing. Blossoming occurs, offering fragrant silvery-white flowers, succeeded by eye-catching red fruit. The foliage contributes substantially to its overall display, typically extending up to 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) in a dense, sprawling manner.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Thorny olive

Distinctive silvery-white underside with brown scales on leaves.

Sharp scaling thorns on stems aiding in climbing.

Silvery-white bell-shaped flowers emitting a strong fragrance.

Oval 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) fruit transitioning from green to silvery-red.

Robust stem with irregular branching and 2-3 inch (5-7.5 cm) thorns.

Detailed Traits of Thorny olive

Leaf Features

The 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long leaves of thorny olive exhibit ruffled margins and a distinctive dual coloration. The upper surface is shiny green, while the underside is silvery-white adorned with tiny brown scales. These alternate, simple, evergreen leaves are linear-ovate to ovate in shape. Major veins and petioles are covered with brown scales, enhancing their texture and identifying characteristics.

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Flower Features

Thorny olive flowers are small, measuring about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm), and have a distinctive bell shape with silvery-white petals due to their scale-like surface. They grow in axillary clusters and emit a strong, pleasant fragrance. These blooms primarily appear in the fall, providing a unique identifier for plant enthusiasts. Their potent scent also makes them excellent for indoor use as a natural deodorizer.

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Stem Features

The stem of thorny olive is covered with distinctive brown scales and typically develops thorns measuring 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long. It possesses a robust and somewhat woody texture, with a brownish hue. The stem exhibits a branching pattern that is irregular, often creating a dense, thorny structure. These features make it identifiable and unique among many other plants.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of thorny olive is a distinctive oval drupe, approximately 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in size. This one-seeded creation transitions from an initially dense, scale-covered green state to a mature silvery-red hue. The fruit's outer texture, once ripe, presents a more pronounced reddish-brown color, a stark contrast against the silvery scales. Unique in its seasonal ripening, it reaches maturity in spring, typically from late March to May. This fruit's appearance and timing provide key identifiers for those interested in plant identification.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Thorny olive and Their Similar Plants

Autumn olive vs. Thorny olive: What's The Difference?

This native Asian tree was planted widely around the US for erosion control. It fruits in bountiful clusters of flavorful, silver-spotted red berries. Unfortunately, autumn olive has outcompeted many local plants and is now considered an invasive species in North America.

Russian olive vs. Thorny olive: What's The Difference?

The name of russian olive (*Elaeagnus angustifolia*) came from its resemblance to an olive tree. However, it’s not even remotely related. It is indigenous to Central and Western Asia and is listed as a noxious weed in other countries, including the US, where it was initially imported as an ornamental. Russian olive produces showy, fragrant flowers and attracts birds with its berry-like fruit.

Cherry silverberry vs. Thorny olive: What's The Difference?

Cherry silverberry is a shrub or small tree that grows in thin woodland, hillsides, and dense shrubbery. It has a symbiotic relationship with Frankia, a bacteria, which provides cherry silverberry with nitrogen. It is a high attractor of bees and is great to use for dappled shade or hedging in the garden.

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Key Facts About Thorny olive

Attributes of Thorny olive

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

7 m

Spread

4 m

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Silver

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White

Yellow

Cream

Fruit Color

Red

Brown

Stem Color

Green

White

Brown

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Thorny olive

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Oleaster

Genus

Silverberries

Species

Thorny olive (Elaeagnus pungens)

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Distribution Map of Thorny olive

Thorny olive is a plant naturally found in East Asia. It has been introduced and has acclimatized to various parts of North America, Europe, and Oceania. Today, thorny olive enjoys a broad range that extends across several continents, thriving in various temperate regions. Moreover, it is widely cultivated beyond its native habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Thorny olive

A Comprehensive Guide to Thorny olive How to Grow and Care for Thorny olive