The leaf is alternate, silvery green, with a smooth margin and short petiole. The most distinctive characteristic of autumn olive are the silvery scales, which give the upper leaf surface a dotted appearance.

The silvery coloration is more pronounced on the underside of the leaves. (Russian Olive is silvery on both sides)

Even from a distance, autumn olive has a silvery appearance which makes it easy to spot.

Twigs are brown, but also covered in scales which gives them a speckled appearance. This is how I confirm the identification in winter.

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