Elaeagnus pungens, silverberry
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Elaeagnus pungens

silverberry

Elaeagnaceae

China and Japan; naturalized SE United States (invasive some SE states)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m)
Width8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m)
Maturity6 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 9
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Elaeagnus pungens is an evergreen shrub reaching 8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m) tall with a spread of 8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m). Stems are often armed with stiff thorns 1/2–1 1/2 inches (1–4 cm) long; young stems are covered in rust-colored to silvery scales. Leaves are leathery, oval to oblong, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long with wavy margins; the upper surface is dark green with a slightly dull sheen, and the underside is densely covered in silvery-white scales giving a bright silver appearance — the two-toned effect is most visible when wind moves the foliage. The plant forms a broad spreading to arching mound, often with long arching shoots. In October through November, small tubular white flowers approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) long appear in clusters of 3–7 in the leaf axils, largely hidden by foliage; they produce an intensely sweet, honey-like fragrance disproportionate to their size. Fruits are small, oval, initially silver-scaled, ripening to reddish-brown by spring; edible but not palatable. Growth is vigorous; plants reach mature dimensions in 5–8 years and may continue to expand. The species fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root-associated actinomycetes, improving poor soils over time.

Native Range

Native to China and Japan, found on hillsides, forest margins, and disturbed areas from sea level to moderate elevations. Widely naturalized in parts of the southeastern United States; considered invasive in some southeastern states. Not listed as invasive in the Pacific Northwest.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a screen, windbreak, or barrier hedge where the thorns create an impenetrable barrier. Used on difficult coastal or urban sites where few other broadleaf evergreens perform reliably. The fall fragrance is an asset when planted near outdoor seating areas, provided the thorny habit is kept back from paths. Not suited to small spaces or areas requiring frequent access due to thorns.

How to Identify

Identified by the combination of leathery dark green leaves with densely silvery-scaly undersides, stiff thorns on branches, rust-colored to silvery scales on young stems, and intensely fragrant small white axillary flowers in fall. The two-toned foliage — dark green above, bright silver below — is the most practical field character. Leaves are 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long with wavy margins. Distinguished from Elaeagnus x ebbingei by the presence of thorns, somewhat smaller leaves, and green (not gold-margined) upper surface; distinguished from E. pungens Maculata by the absence of gold variegation.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 12'
Width/Spread8' - 12'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

dark green
silver

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks
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Fall
Flowers October through November in USDA zones 7–9. Small tubular white flowers approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) long appear in clusters of 3–7 in leaf axils; largely hidden within the foliage. Fragrance is intensely sweet and honey-like, detectable 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) from the plant on calm days — disproportionately strong for flowers of this size. Fruits follow in spring, ripening from silver-scaled to reddish-brown by April–May; not ornamentally significant.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White (inconspicuous, fragrant)

Foliage Description

Dark green above with slightly dull sheen; densely silvery-scaled beneath — two-toned; wavy margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandclay
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5–8 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

One of the most adaptable broadleaf evergreen shrubs for difficult sites. Grows in full sun to partial shade; full sun produces densest growth. Tolerates poor, sandy, clay, and coastal soils; the nitrogen-fixing root system improves soil fertility over time. Established plants tolerate extended drought (6–8 weeks) and coastal salt spray. Water weekly for the first growing season; minimal irrigation required once established. Minimal fertilization needed — avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which suppress the beneficial nitrogen-fixing symbiosis. Provides bird habitat and nesting cover. Thorns make it suitable as an impenetrable barrier hedge; handle with heavy gloves during pruning.

Pruning

Tolerates heavy pruning. Shear or cut back in early spring before new growth, or after the fall flowering period ends. Can be reduced by one-third to one-half annually to maintain a formal hedge; if left unpruned, plants develop long arching shoots that may root at the tip. Remove any reverted all-green shoots immediately. Hard rejuvenation pruning to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) is tolerated and promotes vigorous regrowth. Use heavy gloves — thorns are sharp.

Pruning Schedule

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early springlate fall

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic; fruits edible but not palatable