Thorny elaeagnus (Elaeagnus pungens) el-ee-AG-nus PUN-jenz Genus:  Elaeagnus This is a tough evergreen shrub with pendent flowers that provide a delightful gardenia-like perfume during October and November. Brown fruit ripens to red in autumn. Handsome foliage is a lustrous green above, dull and silvery dotted with brown below. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Not for the small garden, this aggressive grower is considered a weed by some, and it is impervious to pests, pollution, and salt spray, making it an ideal candidate for hedges, screening, and bank plantings. Care:  Elaeagnus pungens  thrives in the sun or shade, and in all types of soil. Problems:  Occurring frequently: cankers, dagger nematode, dieback, rust, fungal leaf spots, and root rot. Can be aggressively weedy.

Overview

Height 10 ft. to 15 ft. Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft. Growth Pace Fast Grower, Invasive/Aggressive Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Maintenance Low Characteristics Fragrant Flowers, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Fall Flower Color White Foliage Color Evergreen Uses Hedge, Screening, Trellis Style Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Fall Interest Type Shrubs