Introduced from Asia as an ornamental in 1830, this shrub has been commonly cultivated for wildlife habitat and planted along roadsides for erosion control. Its high seed production, as well as its adverse affect on the nitrogen cycle, now threaten native plant communities in many national parks in Virginia. Both Arlington
and Alexandria list the plant as invasive.

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) in June.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) leaves in June.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) leaf detail in June.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) in August.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) fruit in September.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) fruit detail in September.
Photo © Elaine Mills

2020 Invasive Plant Factsheet: Print Version (Legal Size):
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)