Russian-olive: Elaeagnus angustifolia (Rhamnales: Elaeagnaceae)

The University of Georgia
P.O. Box 748
4601 Research Way CPES
113 Administration Building
Tifton, GA 31793

Russian-olive USDA PLANTS Symbol: ELAN
USDA ARS GRIN: 14915
ITIS: 27770
NAPIS: PBQABBB
Bayer code: ELGAN
Elaeagnus angustifolia L.
Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida: Rhamnales: Elaeagnaceae
Synonym(s): Russian olive, oleaster
Russian olive is a deciduous tree or shrub growing to 35 ft. (10.6 m) in height. Russian olive is easily recognized by the silvery, scaly underside of the leaves and slightly thorny stems. Leaves are alternate and 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) wide. Small, yellowish flowers or hard green to yellow fruits are abundant and occur on clusters near the stems in the spring and summer. Russian olive invades old fields, woodland edges, and other disturbed areas. It can form a dense shrub layer which displaces native species and closes open areas. Russian olive is native to Europe and western Asia and was introduced into North America in the late 1800s. Since then it has been widely planted for wildlife habitat, mine reclamation, and shelterbelts.

Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources

* Weed of the Week - USDA Forest Service
* Fire Effects Information System - USDA Forest Service
* Invasive Plant Atlas of New England - University of Connecticut
* Element Stewardship Abstract - The Nature Conservancy
* Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas - Plant Conservation Alliance
* Nonnative Invasive Plants of Southern Forests - USDA Forest Service
* Fact Sheet - Pennsylvania Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources

Contact Information

Phone: 229-386-3298
Fax: 229-386-3352
Email: bugwood@uga.edu

Invasive.org: Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
The University of Georgia - Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Dept. of Entomology