Elaeagnus umbellata was first planted as an ornamental tree and for wildlife cover and has now become an invasive species of disturbed sites, mostly in southern Wisconsin. The leaves are simple and alternate and the margins are entire (no teeth). The twigs and undersides of leaves are covered with silvery scales (and a few brown scales) and the fruit is red and juicy. The thorns may not be present on all branches. The average first date of flowering on UWGB has been June 7 (10 years of observations).

E. umbellata is similar to E. angustifolia. Go to the key to learn how to distinguish between the two species.