Elaeagnus pungens from Chris in South Carolina

Found blooming at Mitchelville Park on Hilton Head Island. Smelled sort of like corn tortillas. New to us!

Hi Chris,

This is Elaeagnus pungens, called Silverhorn, Thorny Elaeagnus, and Thorny olive.It is not native.  You can find out more about it here: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/elaeagnus-pungens/

It is fairly common. I’ve never heard that description of the aroma before! Great!

Sincerely,

Dr. Steven Hill, Botanist, SCNPS

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