Thorny Olive

Elaeagnus pungens, Elaeagnaceae

Zones

7–10

Layer

Shrub

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Moderate

Guild Roles

ProducerNitrogen FixerWindbreakBeneficial Insect Habitat

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

Low (established)Moderate (seedling)

Soil pH

5.5 – 8

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Western Sand CherryPrunus besseyi

Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

BluebushDiospyros lycioides

Nitrogen FixationWind Protection

Nutmeg HickoryCarya myristiciformis

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Kaffir LimeCitrus hystrix

Nitrogen FixationWind Protection

Rough Shell MacadamiaMacadamia tetraphylla

Nitrogen FixationWind Protection

Bronze LoquatEriobotrya deflexa

Nitrogen FixationWind Protection

David's PeachPrunus davidiana

Nitrogen FixationWind ProtectionPollinator Sharing

SalmonberryRubus spectabilis

Nitrogen FixationPhysical Support

Antagonistic Plants

Texas PersimmonDiospyros texana

Persimmon and thorny olive compete for water and nutrients in arid conditions

Uses

Functions

Fruit ProductionNitrogen FixationWildlife HabitatErosion Control

Edible Parts

Fruit

Medicinal Uses

Immune Support

Common Questions

What zones does Thorny Olive grow in?

Thorny Olive grows in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10.

Is Thorny Olive a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Thorny Olive is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Thorny Olive?

Good companions for Thorny Olive include Western Sand Cherry, Bluebush, Nutmeg Hickory, Kaffir Lime, Rough Shell Macadamia.

Design guilds with Thorny Olive and see companion relationships visually.

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