Autumn olive from Angie in SC

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Extremely fragrant from a distance especially in evening. Leaves are fuzzy and underside is silver/white. Clusters of about four leaves alternate on branch. White flowers appear within the cluster of leaves, 3-6 flowers in a cluster. Flowers are white with four petals. Flowers are almost trumpet shaped and flare open at the top. Shrub is at least 6 ft tall (at least taller than I am). We have lots of these plants on a cut-over area (disturbed) and on sides of hills leading down to bottom land at a creek.

Hi Angie,

this is a non native, somewhat invasive shrub called Autumn olive, Elaeagnus umbellata.  They do have a wonderful aroma!  And the fruits are edible.  However, it can become a pest in some areas, keeping native plants from growing due to competition.

Sincerely,

Dr. Steven Hill, Botanist, SCNPS

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