Botanical Name: Elaeagnus pungens
Common Name: Silverberry
Type of Plant: dicot: shrub
Character evergreen
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape spreading, angular, dense shrub, frequently wider than tall; rigid branches often spiny, covered with rusty dots
Height 6'- 15'
Spread equal
Growth Rate moderate
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoors full sun
Soil prefers well drained soil
Hardiness hardy (zones 4-24); species is hardier than cultivars
 
Morphology:
Leaves pinnate, alternate, elliptic to ovate, 2-4" long, margins undulate, upper/lower surfaces covered with tiny dots, silvery white
Flowers yellow/green, tubular, 1/4" across, 1/2" long, insignificant appearance, but highly fragrant - in fall
Fruit red drupe with silver dots, 1/2" long
 
Propagation:
semi-hardwood cuttings
 
Usage:
background plant, hedge, espalier - very tolerant of heat and drought - good up against a dark background; thrives in heat, wind, sea coast conditions
 
Landscape Care:
Watering moderate, tolerates drought after first year
Fertilizing balanced in spring
Pruning head back long, irregular branches to shape in winter; best if not sheared
Pests/Diseases spider mites
Special Conditions/Other hose off foliage occasionally to discourage mites
 
Origin: Japan/China
Family: Elaeagnaceae

Notes:
 
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