Elaeagnus angustifolia Family: Elaeagnaceae – Oleaster Family This is the only species from this family represented at Arches National Park. Usually thorny tree; 16.5' to 39.6' (5 to 12 m) tall Leaves: alternate; simple; linear, silvery; 0.8” to 3.6” (2 to 9 cm) long, 0.2” to 1.52” (5 to 38 mm) wide Flowers: borne in axillary clusters; no petals; yellow or yellow-green sepals (generally 4); 4 stamens; very fragrant; silvery flowers 0.32” to 0.48” (8 to 12 mm) long Pollinators: bees Fruits: achene, drupe-like, densely covered with white scales, at full maturity dull orange-yellow with only scattered scales Blooms in Arches National Park: April, May, June Habitat in Arches National Park: widespread in moist sites; cultivated shade tree Location seen: Colorado River, outside Arches National Park on Mill Creek walkway in Moab, Utah Other: The genus name, “Elaeagnus”, is from the Greek “elaia” meaning “olive” and "agnos" meaning “pure”, possibly referring to the fruit. The species name, “angustifolia”, means “narrow leaf”. This plant, native of Eurasia , is grown as an ornamental and now it has escaped. It lives in moist areas. There are nitrogen-fixing bacteria in nodules on the roots. |
Last updated: February 13, 2022