Jesse Saylor
Family
Elaeagnaceae
Botanical Name
ELAEAGNUS angustifolia
Plant Common Name
Russian Olive
General Description
Russian olive is a large deciduous shrub or small tree that's remarkably hardy and beautiful but known to be invasive. It is native to southern Europe, Russia, central Asia and parts of China where it inhabits coastal regions, lake shores, dry river beds and mountainous areas. It has also become naturalized throughout much of North America. In addition to its graceful habit and silvery leaves it is valued for its edible fruit, quality timber and fast-growing nature.
The narrow, lance-shaped leaves of Russian olive are green above and silvery, gray-green below. Its brown, scaly, often thorny branches are covered with exfoliating bark that adds winter interest. Silvery white, strongly fragrant flowers with yellow centers appear in late spring or early summer and are followed by edible, olive-like fruit.
This resilient tree is very tolerant of most growing conditions from dry to moist and sunny to shady. It is salt and drought tolerant and commonly found along sandy, coastal lands. Russian olive is grown primarily for its foliage and fragrant flowers but also makes an ideal barrier, screen or hedge, if pruned to retain a shrubby habit.
There is a downside to growing this species in North America. It has escaped from cultivation throughout much of the country and is considered a problematic invasive species. For more information about the invasiveness of Russian olive see: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/russolive.shtml .
All Elaeagnus species fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, a quality which allows then to grow better in poorer soils.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 8
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Sunset Zone
A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
12'-20' / 3.7m - 6.1m
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Width
12'-20' / 3.7m - 6.1m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Southern Europe, Russia/Siberia, Mediterranean, Central Asia, Southeastern Asia, China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Salt, Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow Green, Silver
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Silver
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green, Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Light Green, Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Light Green, Gray Green, Silver
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Bark Color
Brown, Silver
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Exfoliating
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Usage
Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
Yes
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes