09/06/2026
🌱 Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
Autumn olive is a deciduous, often multistemmed shrub that can reach heights of up to 20 feet, sometimes giving it the appearance of a small tree.
Leaves are a key identification feature of this plant: the upper side is typically bright green to light gray-green, while the underside is a striking silver color due to fine silver scales.
Leaves are alternate, usually 2–3 inches long and 1 inch wide, with wavy margins.
Pastel yellow, tubular flowers appear in early spring in clusters near the stem. Small, round fruit, overall red in color but covered in fine silver or brown scales, matures from summer through early fall.
This species causes major issues in natural areas, parks, and managed forests where it can form dense thickets.
Introduced in the mid-1800s for ornamental landscaping, wildlife plantings, and erosion control, autumn olive produces fruit that is heavily consumed by birds, which has driven its rapid spread. Heavy infestations are established in the northeastern U.S., with continued spread expected across the northern half of Alabama—particularly in the northeast region. Learn more about control options through the Alabama Forestry Commission: https://www.forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/Informational/Invasive/Autumn_Olive.aspx
🌿 Join the 2026 Year of Alabama Invasive Plants Project to raise awareness, improve identification skills, and take action against invasive species. Visit the ACES Year of Alabama Invasive Plants Project to learn more and take the pledge.
