Scientific Family
Elaeagnaceae
Synonyms
E. angustifolia var. angustifolia, E. angustifolia var. orientalis, E. angustifolia var. spinosa, E. hortensis, E. hortensis var. songorica
Other common names
oleaster
narrow leaved oleaster
Plant type
Trees
Riparian
Yes
Plant Description
Origin
Introduced
Fast growing tree or shrub; bark shreddy and gray; young branches reddish, often armed with thorns; autumn-deciduous.
Fast growing tree or shrub; bark shreddy and gray; branches reddish, often thorny; alternate leaves on branchlets; blades lanceolate, upper surface bright green, lower surface silver with dense, minute scales; flowers fragrant, solitary or in clusters.
Height
10 to 20 feet
Width
12 to 20 feet
Habitat
Habitat description
Found near human disturbance, often around springs, seeps, irrigation ditches, and riparian zones.
Plant Community
Riparian
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
5500
High elevation
7000
Leaves
Leaf color
Green, grayish-green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaf hairs
Top and bottom of leaves
Spines
Yes
Leaf Drop
Deciduous
Dark green with silver scales above, covered with dense silvery white scales beneath.
Flowers
Flower color
Yellow
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
June
Flowers solitary or in clusters of 2 to 3 near leaf axils, very fragrant; flower receptacle <1/2 inch long, hairy and silvery; 4 petals.
Flower clusters
Elongated
Fruit
Fruit color
Yellowish-orange
Fruit type
Achene
Olive-like dry fruit.