At a glance these two species are easy to confuse. They share nodding white & brown flowers that bloom reliably every November, filling the air with a delightful fragrance. The flowers are small and hidden in the foliage, so it is not obvious where the sweet cinnamon scent is eminating from, unless you're in the know. Both are evergreen plants that grow to a good size for most hedges, and both are really tough, accepting the hottest and driest and windiest conditions Portland can offer.
Run your hands along a branch though, and you'll quickly discover the difference; thorns! The thorns on Elaeagnus pungens are up to 2" long & they aren't messing around, so beware! Plant thorny Silverberries in a low-traffic area and allow plenty of space so they can grow without being pruned. Elaeagnus ebbingei is the kinder gentler version with nice smooth stems.
There are a few varieties of Silverberries available, but the most common is 'Gilt Edge'. It has cool bi-colored green and gold leaves and it's just as tough as it's relatives.
Grows 8-12' x 812', sun to part shade, Z7.
Goumi Berries are grown mainly for delicious sweet tart red fruits that are similar to pie cherries, but fruit is not all they have to offer. Goumi Berries are covered in sweet smelling white flowers in spring and their upright solid growth habit would make a nice deciduous hedge. Plants are self-fertile but will produce more if planted with another variety. Berries ripen in July.
Grows 6' x 6', sun, Z4.
Autumn Olive is not related to true olives, which depending on how you feel about olives could be a good or bad thing. Autumn Olive fruit is red or amber and nutrient rich. It's self-fertile, and berries ripen in September. Fragrant white flowers bloom in May, and it reportedly improves soils where it's planted.
Grows 10-12' x 10-12', sun, Z3
Fruiting varieties are usually available April-June
Shrubby types are available year-round
Family: Eleagnaceae
Genus: Elaeagnus (e-lee-AG-nus)
Common: Silverberry, Autumn Olive, Goumi Berry, Russian Olive
Origin: Native to Asia & Southern Europe
Characteristics: There are around 45 species of shrubs and small trees in this genus. This article focuses on shrubs. Flowers are small and often fragrant, usually white or white with pale brown dotting. Edible fruit is brown to red. There are both evergreen and deciduous species. Evergreen leaves shimmer like sharkskin or are variegated with gold or cream. Branches are often thorny.
Size: Shrubs are usually large, in the 6-12' range
Culture: Sun to part shade; growth is less dense in shade. All Elaeagnus shrubs adapt to most soils and are tough, withstanding wind and drought beautifully once established. Water during the first summer & during dry spells in the first winter, and then leave it alone.
Problems: Thorns can be vicious during pruning, so wear rose-pruning gloves or plant it in a spot where it can grow unhindered.
Read up on some of our favorite shrubs and remember, this is only a smattering of the variety of shrubs we carry all year long! Note: Viewing a Native Plant will take you into our Native Plant section.
