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Elaeagnus pungens

Accession Count: 7
Common Name: silverthorn, thorny olive
Family Name: Elaeagnaceae
Botanical Name: Elaeagnus pungens
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Characteristics: Elaeagnus pungens is an evergreen, densely branched, multi-stemmed shrub (1) with a rounded, spreading or horizontal form (2), and shoots extending from the apex (3). It can also become a climbing plant that will overtake nearby species (4) by fast growing stem sprouts (1). The young branches of Elaeagnus pungens are pubescent and covered in dense brown scales (5), while older branches have reddish-brown bark, lenticels and 2-3 inch thorns (4), (1). Leaves are lanceolate with alternate wavy to entire margins, acute apexes, and wedge-shaped bases, (4), (6), ranging from 1.6 – 4 inches long (1). The upper surfaces are waxy green and scaly while the undersides are silver-white and covered in brown scales, (7), (4). Flowers are perfect, white, tubular, and intensely fragrant, occurring in clusters of up to 3 (1). Following are single-seeded drupes, oblong and initially white, becoming red and brown-spotted when ripe (1), (5).
Compound: Ela pun
Geographic Origin: China and Japan
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Natural History: Elaeagnus pungens was named by Carl Peter Thunberg in Systema Vegetabilium, Editio decima quarta 164, 1784. (May-Jun 1784) (8). The genus, Elaeagnus refers to the Greek words elaia, olive, and agnos, chaste-tree, while the specific epithet translates to “sharp pointed”, so named for the shrub’s spines (7). E. pungens is considered an invasive weed and a severe threat by the South Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council, for its fast growing and climbing behavior (3). It is additionally listed as a Category 2 invasive species with the ability to cause severe ecological damage in parts of the United States (4). The shrub is believed to have been introduced to the United States in 1830, and Europe between 1829 and 1866, beginning with the Netherlands (5). This introduction may have been caused by the Bavarian physician and botanist Philipp von Siebold, who introduced numerous Japanese flora to European countries (5). Despite its invasive potential, E. pungens is valued as a landscape plant in otherwise challenging or harsh environments and has been used with great success for mine reclamation in the United States since 1970 (1).
Cultivation Notes: Elaeagnus pungens has a wide tolerance of soil conditions, including alkaline, acidic, sandy, and loamy soils, and even saline soil (1), although well-drained soils are preferred (2) and even necessary when combined with soil salinity (1). Avoid wet, poorly drained soils (7). Elaeagnus pungens is drought tolerant and survives in USDA hardiness zones 6-10, tolerating both sun and partial shade, but developing a more open, less dense form when grown in shade (2). E. pungens is capable of nitrogen fixation and has a close relationship with actinomycete fungi, Frankia spp. (5). Inocula are available for this species, but not completely necessary in order for good growth (5). Seeds are dispersed via animals and birds, and stem sprouts are another method of reproduction (4). As the shrub is considered invasive in many states, planting must be done carefully. In order to control the spread of E. pungens, action must be taken before fruit formation in order to limit seed production (1).
Ethnobotany:

Elaeagnus pungens has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat asthma and chronic bronchitis (1). Other medicinal uses include to treat diarrhea, nausea, fever, jaundice (2), as well as piles and tonic (9). The fruit is edible and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including fatty-acids, and may have value as an anti-cancer treatment (2). The leaves hold anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and antitumor abilities, among many others (9), and the root can be applied to sores or itchy skin (2). In nature, the plant serves as a source of food for numerous bird species, including cardinals, juncos, brown thrashers, and cedar waxwings (1). In cultivation, the toughness of Elaeagnus pungens is valued, particularly in harsh environments where other plants would not survive, such as in ocean coasts (5). It has also been used to reclaim mines (1), and is often planted in parking lots or beside highways (5).
Height: 11 - 15 feet
Width: 11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate: Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season: Fall
Color: White
Function: Habitat
Spread: Spreading
Allergen: Allergenic
Invasive: Invasive
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Tender
Water Use: Moderate Water Use
Citations:

1. Fire Effects Information System (FEIS). Retrieved February 27th, 2020.

2. Plants for a Future. Retrieved February 27th, 2020.

3. Invasive Plant Atlas. Retrieved February 27th, 2020.

4. Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida. Retrieved February 27th, 2020. 

5. Invasive Species Compendium. Retrieved February 27th, 2020. 

6. Landscape Plants, Oregon State University. Retrieved February 27th, 2020. 

7. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved February 27th, 2020. 

8. Tropicos. Retrieved February 27th, 2020.

9. Natural Medicine Facts. Retrieved February 27th, 2020.

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Elaeagnus pungens