Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is in the oleaster family family (Elaeagnaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,850 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Nationally it blooms mainly from April to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Autumn Olive: observations by month (U.S.)
About Autumn Olive
Elaeagnus umbellata is known as Japanese silverberry, umbellata oleaster, autumn olive, autumn elaeagnus, or spreading oleaster. The species is indigenous to eastern Asia and ranges from the Himalayas eastwards to Japan. Because it fixes atmospheric nitrogen in its roots, it often grows vigorously and competitively in infertile soils.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Autumn Olive by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 327 | May | May–May |
| Connecticut | 296 | May | May–May |
| Pennsylvania | 247 | May | May–May |
| Virginia | 222 | April | Apr–Apr |
| Massachusetts | 202 | May | May–May |
| Ohio | 181 | May | Apr–May |
| Maryland | 175 | April | Apr–May |
| North Carolina | 175 | April | Apr–Apr |
| New Jersey | 114 | May | Apr–May |
| Michigan | 110 | May | May–Jun |
| Kentucky | 96 | April | Apr–Apr |
| Wisconsin | 63 | May | May–May |
| Indiana | 61 | May | Apr–May |
| West Virginia | 55 | April | Apr–May |
| Vermont | 53 | May | May–Jun |
| Georgia | 51 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Illinois | 51 | May | Apr–May |
| Tennessee | 49 | April | Apr–Apr |
| New Hampshire | 47 | May | May–Jun |
| Delaware | 43 | April | Apr–May |
| Rhode Island | 36 | May | May–May |
| Maine | 35 | May | May–Jun |
| Oregon | 32 | April | Apr–May |
| Missouri | 26 | April | Apr–Apr |
| South Carolina | 24 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Iowa | 18 | May | May–May |
| Arkansas | 14 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Alabama | 12 | March | Mar–Mar |
| Mississippi | 11 | March | Mar–Mar |
| Washington | 10 | May | Apr–May |
| Oklahoma | 7 | March | Mar–Apr |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Autumn Olive?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from April to May.
Where is Autumn Olive most often seen?
The most observations come from New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania.