Question: Ah, spring in New England, such a wonderful time. My query is about this plant: it is a shrub, about …
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Question
Ah, spring in New England, such a wonderful time. My query is about this plant: it is a shrub, about 2 m tall at this point growing in my yard in Southbridge, MA; photos taken within the past day or so. I have, hopefully, attached a picture of the flowers and leaves, and of a cross-section of the stem. Thanks, as ever, --Carl
Answer
Dear carl.moxey, Your plant is Elaeagnus umbellata (autumn-olive). It is a non-native shrub that has escaped to much of New England. You will notice silver scales on the leaf blades (especially the undersurface). The flowers will be very fragrant, and will mature into red drupes (fleshy fruit with a single seed inside).
