shrub

Autumn Olive

The Story

Plant Bio

Elaeagnus umbellata, the autumn olive, is a vigorous, deciduous shrub native to Asia, characterized by its spreading, multi-stemmed habit and young branches covered in distinctive silvery scales. The alternate, simple leaves are dull green on their upper surfaces and intensely silver beneath, creating a shimmering effect in the wind.

Small, tubular flowers of creamy white to pale yellow open in the leaf axils from spring to early summer, releasing a heavy fragrance that attracts diverse pollinators. These are followed by abundant red, lycopene-rich berries that are highly attractive to birds but also drive its aggressive, invasive spread across North American ecosystems.

Uses & Benefits:

Shimmering foliage with silvery-scaled undersides that contrast with the dull green upper surfaces, accompanied by fragrant spring blooms.

Fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules, allowing it to stabilize and reclaim highly infertile, eroded soils.

Provides abundant nectar for pollinators and high-energy, lycopene-rich berries for birds and mammals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

236"

Width

354"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia (Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, avoiding areas prone to standing water.
Plant container-grown or bare-root specimens in spring, digging a hole twice the width of the root ball and setting the crown level with the soil surface.
Water deeply during the first growing season to establish a deep root system; once established, the plant is highly drought-tolerant.
Prune selectively after fruiting to remove dead or crossing branches, avoiding hard shearing into old, leafless wood.

Pro Tip

Avoid applying nitrogen fertilizers, as the root system hosts nitrogen-fixing nodules that allow the plant to thrive in highly infertile soils; supplemental feeding only fuels excessive, invasive vegetative growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in poor, infertile soils where its nitrogen-fixing roots can improve soil structure without fueling excessive weediness.
Prune immediately after fruiting if size control is necessary.
Monitor local environmental lists to ensure the species is not a declared noxious weed in your county.

Don't

Do not apply nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, which trigger rapid, unmanageable vegetative growth.
Do not plant near natural woodlands, prairies, or waterways where birds will disperse seeds and establish invasive thickets.
Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils, which quickly induces root rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Windbreaks and shelterbelts on poor, exposed soilsErosion control on dry, sandy slopesWildlife gardens where invasive spread can be strictly managed

Companion Plants

Cercis canadensis Cornus alternifolia Viburnum dentatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Olive questions

What zones can Autumn Olive grow in?

Autumn Olive is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Autumn Olive deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Autumn Olive, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Autumn Olive bloom?

Autumn Olive typically blooms in spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Autumn Olive need full sun?

Autumn Olive does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Autumn Olive drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Autumn Olive handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.