Autumn olive is a vigorous, deciduous shrub with pale yellow-white bell-shaped flowers to a half-inch long borne in late spring and early summer. Its silvery fruit turns red in fall and attracts birds. Wavy-margined leaves are silvery when they emerge and mature to bright green above.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsInvasive in the Mid-Atlantic region; spreads by birds eating the fruit and distributing the seeds.
CareGrow in fertile soil in full sun.
PropagationSemi-ripe cuttings in midsummer.
ProblemsOccurring frequently: cankers, dagger nematode, dieback, rust, fungal leaf spots, and root rot.
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- Genus : Elaeagnus
- Plant Height : 10 to 15 feet
- Plant Width : 10 to 15 feet
- Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Moisture : Dry to Medium
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Light : Full Sun
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Characteristics : Self Seeds, Showy Fruit
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Flower Color : White, Yellow
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