Evergreen ID

jamesharcourt · February 2020

Anybody able to identify this nonflowering evergreen which has matured into a tree growing over our pond?

Papi Jo · February 2020

Could you please post a better photo of that shrub?

Silver surfer · February 2020

Have trimmed your pic.
Looks like Elaeagnus pungens maculata.
It does flower but flowers are small. You may have missed them.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/3h/4oah8yv02uap.jpeg

https://www.google.com/search?q=elaeagnus+pungens+maculata&rlz=1C1CHBF_enGB785GB785&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj5heXB2vfnAhV_UhUIHcMnDqIQ_AUoAnoECA8QBA&biw=1920&bih=937

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/hn/skdg4bno6hwj.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/65/yv8x1ij9rpqi.jpg

Papi Jo · February 2020

@Silver surfer agree with Elaeagnus pungens. The flowers are tiny indeed but have a very nice and noticeable fragrance to them (in September).

jamesharcourt · February 2020

@Silver surfer thanks - I swear I’ve never seen a flower on it. It has spiky branches too, but those leaves you posted look absolutely bang on ....

Silver surfer · March 2020

Quote wiki...."known by the common names thorny olive, spiny oleasterand silverthorn; also by the family name "oleaster".

You will need to look for the tiny flowers hidden under the leaves...see link
They too are speckled like the back of the leaves.
I agree with Papi Jo..they have a very strong perfume.
By the way Elaeagnus pungens has plain green leaves.
........While Elaeagnus pungens maculata has the golden variegation.

If you have branches that are plain green I suggest they are removed....it means eventually the green will grow faster than the variegated leaves until it is all just green. Called reversion.

https://www.google.com/search?q=elaeagnus+pungens+flowers&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiEzPmdj_nnAhW1URUIHSbeDzoQ_AUoAXoECBQQAw&biw=1920&bih=944#imgrc=2NF17KYVYy5pBM

Evergreen ID

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