(Elaeagnus angustifolia)
Family: Elaeagnaceae

Description
Shrub or small tree often with crooked or leaning trunk, dense crown of low branches, silvery foliage and spiny twigs. Height is 20 ft. (6 m). Diameter is 4 in. (10 cm). Leaves are 1.5–3.25 in. (4–8 cm) long and 0.38–0.75 in. (10–19 mm) wide. They are lance-shaped or oblong, without teeth, dull gray-green above and brown-dotted beneath. Bark is gray-brown, thin, fissured and shedding in long strips. Flowers are 0.38 in. (10 mm) long, bell-shaped and occur in late spring or early summer. Fruit is 0.38–0.5 in. (10–12 mm) long, berrylike, elliptical, yellow to brown with silvery scales. They are edible and mature in late summer and autumn.

Habitat
Introduced species found in moist soils, from salty to alkaline. Spreading in valleys. Non-native to New Mexico.

Discussion
This tree is a popular ornamental and roadside tree due to its tolerance of cold, drought and city smoke. However, it is now considered a noxious or invasive weed. It is a problem in the West, where it sometimes takes over riparian habitats, to the detriment of native flora. The fruit is consumed by songbirds, pheasants and quail.