Elaeagnus angustifolia
Elaeagnus pungens
oleaster, olivier de bohême, Russian silverberry, Russian-olive
silverthorn, spotted elaeagnus, thorny elaeagnus, thorny-olive
usually armed, with thornlike lateral branches, densely silvery-scaly when young, scales reddish brown in age, glabrate.
armed, dark gray-scaly or reddish.
deciduous (often tardily);
blade lanceolate-linear to narrowly elliptic, 3–8(–10) × 0.5–1.5 cm, length 3–8 times width, surfaces silvery and densely stellate-hairy.
evergreen, leathery;
petiole woody;
blade broadly elliptic, (3.5–)4–8(–10) × 1.5–2.5 cm, margins wavy, surfaces with silvery scales, more densely pubescent and silver-green abaxially, glabrous and lustrous dark green or dull silver-green adaxially.
solitary or 2 or 3 in clusters;
hypanthium funnelform, 3.5–6 mm distal to constriction;
calyx silver-green abaxially, yellow adaxially, 3–5 mm;
nectary disc conspicuous, forming thick cylinders around styles.
2–4 in clusters;
hypanthium broadly flared, 2–3 mm distal to constriction;
calyx white or cream, 6 mm, glabrous;
nectary disc inconspicuous.
pale green, ovoid or ellipsoid, (8–)10–15(–20) mm, densely white-scaly and succulent, becoming dull orange-yellow and dry in age.
reddish or red-brown, oblong, 8–12 mm, somewhat fleshy, sparsely lepidote, scales brown with silver margins.
= 24, 28.
Elaeagnus angustifolia
Elaeagnus pungens
Elaeagnus angustifolia was originally planted as an ornamental and as a windbreak and for erosion control; it has become weedy along waterways and in disturbed areas, especially in the western United States. The roots grow to great depths and, because the plants are heavy users of water, they are known to lower dramatically the water table. Russian olive is globally invasive and is spreading in arid regions. Where it lacks competition from other trees, it forms dense thickets that exclude most other vegetation.
The fruit is somewhat succulent when young but quickly becomes dry and mealy; it is sweet and edible, and is widely dispersed by birds. The plant is prone to diseases such as leaf spot, canker, rust, and Verticillum wilt in humid areas (M. A. Dirr 2009). Two varieties, var. angustifolia and var. orientalis (Linnaeus) Kuntze, have been recognized. The dried, powdered fruits are reportedly mixed with milk for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain.
(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)
Flowers of Elaeagnus pungens have a sweet gardenia-like fragrance that attracts butterflies and its fruits are favored by birds. It forms clumps that are broader than tall, with canes that often grow into neighboring shrubs and vines. Plants grow prolifically and can be propagated by cuttings. It has become invasive in some areas. The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council has placed it in the category of invasive exotics that have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities.
Cultivars vary in growth form and color: ‘Fruitlandii’ forms large bluish green mounds; ‘Maculata’ has large leaves with bright yellow variegations and blotches; and ‘Marginata’ has leaves with silvery-white margins. The leaves are distinctive with their leathery texture, wavy margins, and thick petioles. Most cultivars are thornless. Because these plants form large, vigorous clones, they are not recommended for small properties (M. A. Dirr 2009).
(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)
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