SCIENTIFIC NAME: Elaeagnus pungens

COMMON NAME: thorny elaeagnus

FLOWERS: Yellowish-white and fragrant in the fall.

FRUIT: Red with silver dots. Fall and winter. The caviar of bird food.

GROWTH HABIT: Grows 6' to 10' tall as a bush. Up to 15' tall.

LEAVES: Alternate with silver and brown spots underneath. Margins are wavy and the leaf is stiffer and less pointed than Elaeagnus ebbingei. Up to 4" in length.

OTHER: Hardy to zone 6. A tough plant that will grow almost anywhere (roots can fix nitrogen). Birds love the fruit. Because of its vigorous growth it needs to be pruned. Can be used on highway medians, parking lot screens etc. Is drought tolerant and can be grown in sun, shade, wet, or dry conditions.