So for many years, I have loved spring time. I absolutely love driving down the road with the smell of __________ in the air. There's these wild bushes/trees that grow aimlessly in my area, Northern West Virginia (near the Mason-Dixon Line). I have no idea what they are called, after asking everyone I know and an extensive internet search, I am still unable to identify this sweet smelling plant. Here's a description and picture... It has small pale-green leaves and tiny white blooms, I've even seen some with a slight yellow tint to the bloom. The stalk is smooth with larger thorns near the base. The branches tend to grow upward. They are everywhere around here. I just dug up a few and replanted them around my house. Hopefully they live... But without the name, I'm not sure if the area is suffice. This is just a scanned picture of a small branch, but you can really see the detail. If anyone has any idea of what this might be called, pretty please let me know. I will try to keep checking this thread, but an email would be nice, too. WilmaSD@hotmail.com. Thank you so much for your time. And I apologize for any vague descriptions. I am just getting into plants, so I'm learning :) thanks again.
Looks like a species of Elaeagnus. Not native in your area, but widely occurring as an invasive alien.
It may very well be Honeysuckles. Maybe I just don't recognize them yet b/c they are not in full bloom. Other's have even said that's what they are....I'll research more. thanks for your ideas.
I think it may be an Elaeagnus sp. Elaeagnus has alternate leaves, Lonicera has opposite leaves. This shows the species that would be likely if that is the correct ID. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ELAEA Scroll down to the distribution maps for species. Only a few to check for.
I'm sure there is, since just about everyone, except maybe the barbaloots, ignored the Lorax in the end.....
Can't help with the species,but can confirm some Elaeagnus have a much stronger scent than you would expect from such a small flower. E. umbellata has a particularly strong scent. Beware of E. Quicksilver, although beautiful it sends out suckers everywhere. Picture is of E. umbellata.
I believe (also) it to be one of --- Autumn Olive, Elaeagnus umbellata, or --- Russian Olive, Elaeagnus augustifolia. Each commonly confused with the other, both invasive and both very fragrant. A google search will get you endless links on these plants. Incidentally, while prolifically invasive, these plants are beneficial to wildlife, nicely ornamental and I look forward to their bloom. When in bloom the fragrance drifts up my hillside on rising thermals from the creek bottom and perfumes 100's of acres for days on end.
