Elaeagnus multiflora is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 2–8 m (6 ft 7 in – 26 ft 3 in) tall, with a trunk up to 30 cm (12 in) diameter with dark brown bark. The shoots are densely covered in minute red-brown scales. The leaves are ovate to elliptic, 3–10 cm (1.2–3.9 in) long and 2–5 cm (0.79–1.97 in) broad, green above, and silvery to orange-brown below with dense small scales.