Elaeagnus umbellata Spreading Oleaster

A large, spreading, deciduous shrub that is often spiny, which is native to China, Japan and the Himalaya and frequently grown in gardens. The twigs which are covered in brown scales have narrowly-oval leaves that are silvery on the underside. Small clusters of fragrant, cream flowers which are attractive to insect pollinators are produced in early summer. The succulent orange-red fruits are consumed by birds which then disperse the seeds in their droppings. There are sveral records in West Glamorgan, mostly from coastal, open mosaic sites.

Neophyte