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