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Autumn Olive

Classification:

Family:  Elaeagnaceae
Genus, species:  Elaeagnus umbellata 

Leaves:
Leaves are oval with smooth edges, olive-green, 1 to 3 inches long with lower surface, covered with silvery scales.

Flowers:
Flowers are light yellow, produce a strong aroma, produced in small clusters, about ½ inch long.

Fruit:
Fruit is a small orange-reddish berry. It is sweet and edible.

Range:
Autumn Olive is a non-native and invasive plant. It is native to southeast Asia. It was introduced to North America from Japan in 1830. Birds readily disperse its seeds by eating the fruit. It grows well in poor soil conditions and outcompetes native plants. It grows rapidly and resprouts vigorously after cutting.

More Information:

https://www.in.gov/dnr/files/Autumn_Olive.pdf

Photos: