About Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.
Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. is a deciduous plant that grows as a shrub or small tree, typically reaching a height of up to 3.5 metres (11 ft) and growing a dense crown. It commonly produces sharp thorns that take the form of spur branches. Its fragrant flowers grow in clusters, have a white to yellow color, measure 8–9 mm long and 7 mm in diameter, and have four lobes. Its leaves grow in an alternate arrangement, are 4–10 cm (1.6–3.9 in) long and 2–4 cm (0.79–1.57 in) wide, and have wavy margins. When leaves first emerge in early spring, they are covered in tiny silvery scales. As summer progresses, these scales wear off, and the upper surface of the leaves becomes greener. The underside of the leaves remains more heavily covered in these silvery scales. This trait distinguishes it from the related species Elaeagnus angustifolia, which stays silvery on its leaves until it sheds its leaves in autumn.
