Water
Water thoroughly when the top 5-7 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Elaeagnus pungens is relatively drought-tolerant once established, so avoid overwatering.
Reduce watering frequency in cooler months to prevent root rot.
Also known as Autumn Olive · Oleaster · Russian Olive
Thorny olive (Elaeagnus pungens) is a vigorous, thorny evergreen shrub known for its silvery foliage and fragrant, bell-shaped flowers, ideal for screening and challengin
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Well-drained, adaptable to various soil types
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
Low Maintenance
25% intensity
Infrequent feeding, once in early spring.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 5-7 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Elaeagnus pungens is relatively drought-tolerant once established, so avoid overwatering.
Reduce watering frequency in cooler months to prevent root rot.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to shape the plant and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Can be pruned to control size or shape into hedges. It tolerates hard pruning.
Best propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or hardwood cuttings taken in late autumn or winter. Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining medium.
Provide consistent moisture.
Young plants may need repotting every 2-3 years into a slightly larger container. Established plants in the ground rarely require repotting. Repot in spring before new growth appears. Ensure good drainage.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Thorny Olive (Elaeagnus pungens)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Elaeagnaceae |
| Genus | Elaeagnus |
| Species | Elaeagnus pungens |
Similar in genus Elaeagnus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
