shrub

Thorny Olive

Elaeagnus pungens

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

150 inches

Width

150 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Japan, China

Toxicity

Non-toxic, fruit is edible

The Story

Plant Bio

Elaeagnus pungens is a dense, fast-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub native to Asia. It is known for its extreme toughness, tolerance of poor soils and coastal conditions, and thorny branches. This species is particularly valued for its small, silvery-white, intensely fragrant flowers that bloom in autumn, perfuming the garden when little else is in flower. It is considered invasive in many parts of the southeastern US.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

As a tough, dense evergreen, it excels as a screening or hedging plant. Its most delightful feature is the powerfully fragrant flowers that perfume the autumn air. Variegated cultivars add a splash of year-round color.

Its fast growth, thorny nature, and dense habit create an impenetrable barrier or privacy screen. It is extremely tolerant of salt spray, drought, and poor soil, making it useful for difficult sites like coastal areas and roadsides.

The shrub provides dense cover and nesting sites for birds, which also consume its fruits. However, its ecological benefit is heavily outweighed by its tendency to escape cultivation and form dense thickets that displace native vegetation.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in sun or shade; it is highly adaptable.
Ensure soil is well-drained, though it tolerates poor soils.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant at the same depth it was in the container.
Backfill with native soil and water well.
Water regularly for the first year, then it becomes very drought tolerant.

Pro Tip

Prune hard in late winter to maintain a manageable size and dense form, as it can become unruly.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant it where its aggressive growth is an asset, like a large barrier hedge.
Prune annually to keep it in bounds.
Take advantage of its salt tolerance in coastal gardens.

Don't

Don't plant it near natural areas where it can escape and become invasive.
Avoid planting where its thorns could be a hazard.
Don't overwater once established.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Impenetrable privacy hedgeTough screen for coastal areasDrought-tolerant bank stabilizer

Companion Plants

Juniperus virginiana Ilex vomitoria Myrica cerifera Baccharis halimifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Thorny Olive questions

What zones can Thorny Olive grow in?

Thorny Olive is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Thorny Olive deer resistant?

Yes — Thorny Olive is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Thorny Olive bloom?

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

Does Thorny Olive need full sun?

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

Is Thorny Olive drought tolerant?

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