This shrub has arching to horizontal prickly canes-like stems that grow from the base and droop to the ground forming a rounded habit. It has dark green lanced-shaped leaves and the fragrant creamy white tube-shaped flowers appear in a cluster in autumn.

Hardiness zones 7 to 10

Elaeagnus pungens is naturally found in Japan growing in a range of well drained moderately fertile moist soils in a semi shaded to sunny position. It is tollerent of drought, salt spray, frost and urban pollution.

The Japanese Oleaster it is grown for its bushy habit and foliage. It is planted along garden borders as a screen or trim to form a hedge. It is also grown as a low wind break establishing in 3-4 years and is moderately long lived. This hardy shrub is commonly used in a Japanese gardens or as a container plant. ID 334

Elaeagnus (e-lee-ĂG-nus) pungens (PUNG-genz)

'Elaeagnus': from Greek elaeagnos - a wild olive; 'pungens': piercing (refers to spines).

Elaeagnaceae (EL-ee-ag-NAY-see-ee)