Russian Olive

( Elaeagnus angustfolia )

QUICK IDENTIFICATION

  • Highly aromatic, silvery-white to yellow flowers in clusters of 4-petals
  • Fruit is yellow to light gray and almost completely covered by dense silver scales
  • Height of 10 to 30 feet, taking the form of a large shrub or small tree

Weed Pictures

Russian Olive
Russian Olive
Russian Olive
Russian Olive
Russian Olive
Russian Olive

Weed Information

Type Information
Toxicity Non-toxic
Control Herbicide and bush-type mowing. Contact your County Weed District or local applicator for more information.
Habitat Riparian areas, lakeshores, fields, roadsides, forest edges and sandy flood plains.
Root Extensive, deep and lateral root system
Leaf Shape Linear, alternating on stem
Lifespan Perennial; two years or longer.
Priority 3 Weed Not a noxious weed, but a regulated plant with potential for significant negative economic and ecological impacts.
Similar Looking Plants Autumn olive, silver buffalo-berry, russet buffalo-berry
Important Information This plant out-competes native vegetation and taxes water reserves when established along waterways. It has been used extensively in Montana for shelterbelts. Roots can reach depths of 35 feet or more.
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