Find plants
My list (0)
Silverthorn, Silverberry, Thorny Olive
Elaeagnus pungens
A dense broadleaf evergreen shrub with a naturally rounded shape in maturity. New branches start out with sharp, spike-like tips that give this plant a thorny appearance. Glossy, elliptical, deep green leaves are covered in small silvery dots, giving it a rough texture, and have pale white-gray undersides and wavy margins. Tiny, cream colored, bell-shaped flowers may go unnoticed, but their sweetly spicy fragrance is delightful. The small red-brown fruits have an interesting texture and are enjoyed by birds. Accepts sun but is also highly shade tolerant. Benefits from afternoon shade in our area. Accepts most soil types, but prefers lightly amended soils with good drainage. Fertilize spring and autumn for best appearance. Good choice for a hedge, screen, or background planting. Give plenty of room to reach its mature size. Do not shear, it will become overly woody and the leaves are large enough that partial leaves are very noticeable. Several cultivars available, including a variegated variety.
- Plant type: Shrub
- Maintenance level: Medium, Low
- Water requirement: Medium, Low
- Sun exposure: Full, Part Sun, Shade, Morning Sun
- Height range: 6–16 Feet
- Width range: 6–12 Feet
- Canopy value: 50 ft²
- Growth rate: Fast
- Seasonal habit: Evergreen
- Flower color: Yellow, White
- Flower season: Autumn
- Fruit color: Red, Brown
- Fruit season: Spring, Winter
- General foliage color: Grey, Green
- Design style: Thorns/Spines
- Hardiness cold tolerance: 0 °F
- Soil preference: Sand, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Well Drained, Moist, Dry
- Native location: China and Japan
- PH preference: Not Particular
- Sunset zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
- USDA hardiness zone: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
New Search