Silverthorn

Elaeagnus pungens Thunb.

eel-ee-AG-nus PUN-jens

Elaeagnaceae

Explanation of name: From Greek, helodes, marshy, and hagnos, pure, an indirect allusion to willows. Pungens means spiny (DEH).

Natural range: Asia

Recognition: Extremely tough, sprawling, fast-growing shrub having the leaves covered densely with silvery scales. Flowers inconspicuous but fragrant. Fruit resembling a large cherry with silvery sheen.

Landscape uses: Coarse, hardy, fast-growing spiny (from pointy branch tips) hedge, barrier, and building plant with silvery coloration. Nitrogen-fixing. Invasive exotic (FEPPC II)