Elaeagnus umbellata

Easily recognizable by the silvery, dotted underside of the leaves, thorny branches and numerous small yellowish tubular flowers near stems that bloom February to June.  Very troublesome due to prolific fruiting, rapid growth, adaptability to many sites and seeds being easily disseminated by birds. Autumn olive is prohibited in New York; it is illegal to purchase, sell, transport or propagate. Collect the fruits for jam instead of letting them spread.