Elaeagnus pungens, commonly known as thorny olive or silverthorn, is an evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. It belongs to the Elaeagnaceae family and is known for its hardiness, adaptability, and ornamental value.
This shrub typically grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) and has a dense, bushy growth habit. The leaves are leathery, elliptical to lanceolate in shape, and have a silvery-gray color on the underside, giving the plant its common name "silverthorn." The branches are often armed with sharp spines or thorns, providing additional protection against browsing animals.
In late fall to early winter, Elaeagnus pungens produces small, fragrant flowers that are usually inconspicuous but have a sweet fragrance. These are followed by small, edible fruits that ripen in spring or early summer. The fruits are red-orange to orange in color and are sometimes used in preserves or eaten fresh, although they are not as commonly cultivated for culinary use as some other species of Elaeagnus.
Thorny olive is valued in landscaping for its attractive foliage, tolerance of a wide range of soil types, and ability to withstand drought and poor soil conditions. It is often used as a hedge plant, windbreak, or specimen shrub in gardens and urban landscapes. Additionally, it provides cover and food for birds and other wildlife, further enhancing its ecological value.