Elaeagnus Pungens 'Fruitlandii' is a fast growing shrub that can be grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7A through 9B. It matures to an average height of 6 feet to 8 feet and an average width of 8 feet to 10 feet, depending on climate and other environmental factors. It prefers growing in a location that provides full sun and grows best when planted in loam, clay or silt soil that is well drained. The foliage is grey / silver in color.

Elaeagnus can be useful in the landscape as a buffer or screen, as a background, in shrub borders, in landscape beds or islands, in small groupings, as a hedge, as a tree form shrub or in medians and also in theme gardens.

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Noteworthy Characteristics

Fruitland Elaeagnus, commonly known as Silverthorn or Silverberry, is a very fast growing, big and beautiful, broad-leafed evergreen shrub featuring silvery green foliage. If you need a quick hedge Eleagnus is your choice! The inconspicuous flowers produce a delightfully appealing sweet fragrance, reminiscent of gardenia, that will grab your attention from hundreds of yards away. Small reddish-brown berries follow the flowers and are a favorite treat for birds.

The plant has no thorns. The "thorn" in the name comes from the way the new stems form into pointed stiff spikes that can feel like a thorn if you jam your hand into one. Small leaves sprout from these "thorns" and the spike grows into a soft young stem.

Uses

Fruitland Silverberry is perfect for quickly creating a background or hedge at the edge of your property. Place it on an expanse of lawn to create a great mound of wildlife habitat. The dense tangle of stems provide perfect sites for nests and the small red fruits will feed hungry songbirds during the winter. Be warned, however, silverthorn is not a good shrub for small areas as it will require constant pruning to keep in bounds.

Culture & Care Tips

Fruitland Silverberry is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions including full sun to part shade and a variety of soils that are moderately drained or dry. Constantly wet, soggy soil will kill the plant. It is rarely bothered by pests and deer don't like it It responds well to pruning and makes an excellent evergreen hedge and barrier. It is often planted along highways and is useful in controlling soil erosion. This adaptable plant is tolerant of salt spray making it a good choice for coastal landscapes.

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