Plant: Elaeagnus pungens

Elaeagnus pungens

(note: all the photos on this page are specifically the cultivar ‘Maculata’)

Random fun facts:

- This is a commonly used highway plant in area’s where other plants will not grow – specifically in area’s with pollution and dry and sandy soils.

- E. pungens is a great selection for coastal homes or just by your pool! It’ll tolerate the salt spray of the ocean or the chlorine spray from cannonballs.

The Specs:

Family: Elaeagnaceae
Genus: Elaeagnus
Species: pungens

Common Name: Thorny Elaeagnus

Region of Origin/Nativity: China & Japan

Characteristics: It’s a thorny shrub that spreads. Typically it’ll also be a bit gangly, even though its dense in habit. It can grow to be 10-15’ tall and wide, but takes to heavily pruning well. It grows rapidly too, so regular pruning is a good idea. The foliage is a lustrous dark green and has a subtle silver on the bottom sides. It keeps its color well in the winter. The white flowers are inconspicuous, although they have a nice fragrance when they bloom in and around October. It’s been said that one plant can make the whole garden fragrant (haven’t experienced this myself…) Fruit it develops isn’t necessarily ornamental; brown drupes develop into red by spring.

Life Span: Evergreen Shrub

Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-9

Cultivation requirements: Prefers partial or dappled sun. Will tolerate heavier shade better than full sun. This plant is pretty tough and will tolerate a lot, like poor infertile soils including dry, sandy, and coastal soils. It can also handle salt spray and air pollution. A pretty tough plant!

Typical Pests, Diseases, associated problems: Nothing serious

Propagation Method: By seed; directly sown in spring. Or cuttings; best results if past seasons growth is taken from the plant in February or March.