Thorny Elaeagnus
elaeagnus pungens
Also known as: ["Silverthorn","Autumn Olive"]
Overview
A deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with silvery, scaled leaves and fragrant, small, yellowish-white flowers followed by red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["deer resistant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Elaeagnaceae |
| Genus: | Elaeagnus |
| Botanical Name: | Elaeagnus pungens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, hedge, or border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with amendments.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years for maintenance.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; can handle hard pruning if needed to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates some shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; can be grown in full sun in cooler regions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide afternoon shade in hot areas; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam
pH: Adaptable pH range (6.0–7.5); prefers slightly acidic to neutral.
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 6–9; tolerates temperatures down to -10°C (14°F); prefers mild temperatures but is adaptable.
Protect from frost in early spring; avoid placing near heat sources in winter; monitor for signs of stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize once a year in spring; water before and after applying fertilizer; use a balanced NPK ratio.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (semi-hardwood cuttings in summer); layering is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late summer to early fall for semi-hardwood cuttings; spring for layering.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%); warm temperatures (20–25°C); partial shade.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or cactus mix with added sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, peat-perlite mix, plastic bag or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove old wood; heading back to shape; selective pruning for air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove deadwood, and encourage bushier growth; best done after flowering or in late winter.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead or diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds or branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; stunted growth in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; growth slows or halts; young plants are more susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap in severe cold; choose a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaf scorch or yellowing; reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility; apply fertilizer in spring; water thoroughly after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing as it is not a heavy feeder.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicElaeagnus pungens is not considered toxic to cats. The berries are not known to cause adverse effects when ingested by felines in small amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicElaeagnus pungens is not considered toxic to dogs. The berries are not known to cause adverse effects when ingested by canines in small amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicElaeagnus pungens is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The berries, while not typically consumed, do not pose significant toxicological risks when ingested in small quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Elaeagnus pungens invasive?
A: It can be invasive in some regions due to its vigorous growth and seed dispersal by birds.
Q: How fast does Elaeagnus pungens grow?
A: It is a fast-growing shrub, often reaching several feet in a single growing season.
Q: Does Elaeagnus pungens require full sun?
A: It tolerates a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, though it thrives best in full sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Elaeagnaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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