Elaeagnus multiflora

Shrubs, 1–2.5(–3) m, not clonal. Stems unarmed, with gray or reddish gray scales. Leaves deciduous; blade broadly lanceolate or cuneate, 1–2.5(–5) × 1–1.5(–3) cm, surfaces silvery abaxially, also with scattered, brown scales, glabrous or sparsely stellate-hairy, green adaxially. Flowers solitary or paired; hypanthium broadly flared, 6–7 mm distal to constriction; calyx cream, 4.5–6 mm, lobes with brown scales outside, glabrous inside; nectary disc conspicuous. Fruits bright red with silver flecks, oblong, 10–15(–25) mm, sparsely pubescent.

Phenology: Flowering Apr–May.
Habitat: Sandy or clay soils, alkaline or saline soils.
Elevation: 100–400[–1800] m.

Introduced; Ala., Ga., Ill., Ky., Mass., Mich., Mo., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Tenn., Va., Asia (China, Japan).

Discussion

Elaeagnus multiflora is similar to E. umbellata and may have been overlooked in some locations; it is distinguished by a calyx tube and limb that are more or less equal in length, and fruits on elongated pedicels. The species has been grown as an ornamental in Utah but, apparently, has not become naturalized in the western United States.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa