Thorny Olive
Elaeagnus pungens
non-native
Other Names:
Spiny Oleaster, Silverthorn, Russian Olive
The Thorny Olive is a non-native evergreen shrub from Asia (mostly China and Japan). It was introduced as an ornamental plant in the 1800s and is considered to be invasive. A Thorny Olive bush in Monticello Park is past midstream at a bend in the east path, and Blue Jays have nested in it. Because it can survive in harsh conditions, it has been planted along some highway medians in the southeastern United States. In 1981, close to 300 Cedar Waxwings were killed by cars in Texas when they tried to eat fruit from Thorny Olives growing along a highway.
Identification Tools
Go Botany
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States
Invasive.org
Ranges
Thorny Olive leaves
A Thorny Olive shrub along the path on the south side of the stream
Thorny Olive branches, displaying thorns
Thorny Olive leaves are pale on the underside.
Thorny Olive leaves are sometimes pale when they are newly emerged.
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