autumn olive
Elaeagnus umbellata
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size10 to 16 feet tall20 to 30 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Slivery white to dull yellow
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green, white
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is a shrub for hedges, food gardens, and low maintenance planting. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist soil of most types. It grows fast, with an arching form that can reach 10 to 16 feet tall. The silvery foliage and fragrant flowers attract butterflies, bees, and birds. It also tolerates drought.
Pairs well with Golden Delicious apple, Switchgrass, and Scarlet oak.
Native range
Eastern Asia.