During the Dog-Days of summer (July and August), the red fruits of the invasive shrub Autumn Olive develop to maturity. Extensive growths of this shrub can be seen along the Cemetery Ridge Trail. Autumn Olive, a deciduous, alternate-leaved shrub, may grow as high as 20 ft. It’s distinctive oblong leaves are dark green above and silvery underneath, covered with distinctive silvery scales. The fragrant, pale white to yellow, tubular flowers produce abundant red fruits (dotted with silvery scales). These are eaten by a variety of birds and small mammals that distribute the seeds widely.

A native of China and Japan, Autumn Olive was introduced into North America in the 1830’s. Initially it was planted as an ornamental shrub and was also used for strip-mine reclamation, windbreaks, and wildlife habitat. This shrub is highly invasive and is listed in the Severe Threat category by the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council. The UT Forest Resources Center, in cooperation with UT faculty, has conducted research on testing of new herbicides to help eradicate Autumn Olive and other invasive, non-native plants.

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