Thorny Elaeagnus
Elaeagnus pungens
Evergreen-Shrubs
A medium to large evergreen shrub, thorny elaeganus is well suited in landscape roles from a pruned hedge to a natural barrier or bank stabilization. It has silvery, evergreen foliage and tolerates drought.
(Detailed plant information can be found at the bottom of the page.)
Elaeagnus pungens Photo Gallery
Elaeagnus pungens Plant Information
| Classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Elaeagnus pungens |
| Common Name: | thorny elaeagnus |
| Family: | Elaeagnaceae |
| Suggested Uses: | bank stabilization, hedges, screens, natural barriers |
| Characteristics | |
| Height: | 5 - 10 feet tall |
| Spread: | 5 - 10 feet wide |
| Foliage: | alternate, simple, and evergreen two to 4 inches long mid-vein is brown underneath; brown scales on underside of leaf |
| Flower: | perfect, white, fragrant flowers |
| Bloom Period: | Fall |
| Fruit: | red, oval drupe in Spring |
| Bark: | brown; slightly scaly |
| Environment | |
| Sun: | full sun to part shade |
| Water: | very drought-tolerant |
| USDA Zone: | zones 6 - 9 |
| Care | |
| Maintenance: | requires frequent pruning if used in landscapes not always visible, but 2 to 3 inch long thorns do occur on many branches |
| Additional Notes: | well-adapted to stabilize loose soils or banks (will root down) |
TTU Plant Resources
-
Address
Texas Tech University, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Box 42122, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.2838 -
Email
Melanie.Jackson@ttu.edu