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Autumn Olive, Japanese Silverberry

Eleagnus umbellata Thunb.

▲ mature plant, about 15 feet tall in Illinois\

▼ young mature plant

▲▼ branches and foliage with silvery leaf undersides

▲ twigs with prominent lenticels

▲ leaves and fruit

▲ leaf top and bottom

▲ fruit

▲ roadside planting of autumn olive in Illinois

Autumn Olive:

· Woody perennial large shrub or small tree in the Autumn Olive Family (Eleagnaceae), native to Asia, with deciduous, shiny, oval leaves with silvery leaf undersides

· Twigs silvery-white pubescent, slender; fruit is a red drupe-like fruit

· Planted as a fencerow plant for wind erosion control and for wildlife food and cover, but has become invasive, endangering native habitats

· Found on roadsides, in pastures, open woods, prairies, pastures, non-crop areas

· Being considered or named as a noxious weed in several states

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