North Carolina Wildflowers, Shrubs, & Trees

Elaeagnaceae > Elaeagnus (silverberry, russian-olive)

This exotic invasive species (native to Asia) has become a serious ecological pest in North Carolina, displacing native vegetation in many forested and forest edge habitats.

With fragrant spring flowers Autumn-olive frequently attract butterflies. Small, olive-like fruits ripen in the fall, hence the common name. Note the tiny silver glands covering the leaves.

Ripening fruits, which will be gobbled up by birds when ripe.

Entire hedge of Autumn-olive "planted" by birds sitting on the phone lines above...

Exotic invasive from Japan, this shrub to small tree grows along wooded edges in suburban areas in the eastern half of North Carolina.

Leaves have a variable amount of rusty spots mixed with silvery scales. Leaves are tough and evergreen, and twigs may be spiny.

This individual has less rusty "scurfiness", but note the thick covering of silvery scales under the leaves.

Flowers appear in the fall and have a strong, sweet aroma.

Even the flower petals have rusty spots.

Young fruits ripening in the spring.

The fruits are somewhat elongate in shape and have lots of rusty dots.

Commonly found invading woods edges.

Flowering specimen.