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Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus

Elaeagnus Pungens

Design with this plant

Overview

Elaeagnus pungens, or Silverthorn, is a robust evergreen shrub with sprawling branches often reaching 10-15 feet in height and width. Its dense foliage comprises variegated leaves with silvery scales and occasional thorns. In the fall, inconspicuous yet fragrant white blooms appear, followed by small reddish fruits. Adaptable to various soil types, Silverthorn prefers full sun to partial shade and offers excellent coverage for hedges and privacy screens.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater Low, Very LowZones 4–9

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
Low, Very Low
USDA zones
4–9

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Elaeagnaceae

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Photos (46)

Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — is a robust evergreen shrub with sprawling branches often reaching 10-15 feet in height and width
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — Silverthorn prefers full sun to partial shade and offers excellent coverage for hedges and privacy screens
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — scientifically known as Elaeagnus pungens
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — In the fall, inconspicuous yet fragrant white blooms appear, followed by small reddish fruits
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — Its dense foliage comprises variegated leaves with silvery scales and occasional thorns
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — Adaptable to various soil types
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — Silverthorn typically reaches heights of 6 to 10 feet
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — is an evergreen shrub known for its vigor and resilience
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — Ideal for creating dense screens or hedges
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — The plant exhibits a rounded growth habit with stems bristling with short
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — though it can soar even taller under optimal conditions
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — leathery leaves that are dark green on top and silvery beneath
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — Inconspicuous yet fragrant flowers appear in the fall
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — reflecting sunlight and adding a textured aesthetic
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — ranging from white to cream
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — When designing with Elaeagnus pungens
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — Hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9, it can withstand temperatures down to 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — white flowers in the garden
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — making it a low-maintenance choice for both formal and informal landscapes
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — This robust plant requires minimal irrigation once established
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — requiring regular pruning to maintain its shape and prevent unwanted spreading
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — shrub with white blooms
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — consider its potential invasiveness in some regions
Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus Pungens) — shrub for full or half or shade

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