Family: Eleagnaceae
Elaeagnus umbellata (autumn olive, Japanese silverberry) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Eastern Asia from the Himalayas to Japan. It has been used in the past as a windbreak, for erosion control, wildlife habitat, and as an ornamental. It is reported to be naturalized in North America, Europe, Australia and on Hawaiʻi Island. This plant is capable of impacting agriculture and the natural environment, forming dense impenetrable thickets. It is ranked as a “severe threat” by Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council and Kentucky Exotic Pest Plant Council, in terms of its ability to affect and disrupt native plant communities. Its prolific seed production and ability to regrow and tolerate low to moderate intensity fires is also of concern.
High Risk Traits:
- Able to spread in regions with temperate to tropical climates
- Naturalized on Hawaii Island, and elsewhere in North America, Europe and Australia
- A disturbance adapted weedy shrub to small tree that impacts agriculture and the natural environment
- Related species are invasive
- Spiny branches
- Host of Puccinia coronata, a pathogen of important crop species
- Tolerates many soil types
- Forms dense, impenetrable thickets
- Nitrogen fixing, may modify soil chemistry and fertility
- Reproduces through prolific seed production
- Reaches maturity in 2-3 years
- Seeds dispersed by birds, other frugivorous animals, water, and intentionally cultivated
- Resprouts after fires of low to moderate severity
Low Risk Traits:
- Non-toxic
- Thrives in full sun (dense shade may limit fruit production)
- Largely self-incompatible
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
- Herbicides may provide effective control
