Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)

The Invasive Plant Working Group
Donna Ellis (co-chair)
University of Connecticut
Department of Plant Science
1390 Storrs Rd Unit 4163
Storrs, CT 06269

Introduced to the U.S. from Asia, autumn olive is a fast-growing woody shrub or tree that can attain 20 feet in height. It has simple, alternate oval leaves with silvery undersides (but not as silvery as Russian olive). The fragrant small white flowers reach peak bloom around mid-May. The fleshy fruits are brown at first but gradually turn red with silvery dots. Autumn olive has been planted extensively for wildlife habitat, strip mine re-vegetation, and erosion control, and also has been marketed widely as an ornamental. It produces abundant fruits that are consumed and spread by birds and small mammals. Autumn olive grows well in disturbed areas, open fields, forest margins, roadsides, and clearings. While tolerant of drought, it does not grow well in wet sites. It is intolerant of shade and will not invade dense forests. However, because its fruits are eaten by a variety of wildlife, its seeds may be distributed into forest openings or open woodlands.

Management Options
A. Hand Pulling:
B. Cutting:
C. Girdling:
D. Herbicides:

Contact Information

Phone: 860 486 6448
Fax: 860 486 0534
Email: donna.ellis@uconn.edu