photo: Cleveland Metroparks
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
 Cleveland Metroparks |
 Nancy Loewenstein, Auburn University, Bugwood.org |
 James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org |
 James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org |
 Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org |
Form:
Large shrub or small tree with silvery foliage. Autumn olive grows up to 20' tall.
Leaves:
Simple and alternate. Silver-gray on the underside, lance-shaped or elliptic, with entire, wavy margins.
Flowers:
White to light yellow, tube- or bell-shaped, fragrant, and born in leaf axils. Bloom in late spring.
Fruits & Seeds:
Fruits are small, fleshy, egg-shaped, pink to red with silver spots.
Roots:
Associated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Cutting or other damage causes root suckering.
Similar Species:
Silver buffaloberry (Shepardia argentea) native
Russet buffaloberry (Shepardia Canadensis) native
Tier 2 - Assess As Needed
The size and extent of these species populations are currently being inventoried with limited geographic information available. This survey will assist with identifying future control targets as populations are defined.
Action: The inventory of these plants is ongoing. The approximate number of plants should be recorded keeping in mind population sizes may be highly variable.
