Russian Olive

Russian Olive

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Colorado List B - Eradication required in parts of Jefferson County

Information Sheet (PDF)

Eradication Zone Map (pdf)

General

• Family: Oleaster (Elaeagnaceae)
• Has been used as an ornamental and windbreak but no longer available in Colorado
• Native to Eurasia

Habitat

• Found in riparian areas, windbreaks, ornamental plantings
• Perennial tree or shrub

Plant

Vegetation

• Leaves alternate, 2 - 3 inches long, narrow
• Mature trees up to 40 feet tall
• Thorns 1-2 inches long on branches
• Trees have deep fissures in its grayish bark
• Upper surface light green, lower surface silvery white with scales
• Young stems are pubescent to smooth, reddish-brown

Roots

• Spreading

Flower

• Bell shaped with 4 petals
• Fragrant clusters
• Light yellow
• May - June

Seed

• Light green when young to yellow-red when mature
• Olive shaped
• Remain viable for 3 years

Reproduction

• Roots
• Seed
• Stumps will re-sprout
• Twigs may sprout if left on the ground

Control

Biological

• None - Biological control is not an approved control within eradication zones.

Chemical

• View Information Sheet (PDF)

Cultural

• Prevention – maintain health of site
• Removal - Combined with herbicide treatment of cut surfaces and re-sprouts
• Re-vegetation of highly disturbed sites

Mechanical

• Burning - Saplings. Consult your local fire department for burning requirements and restrictions
• Grazing - N/A
• Mowing - Saplings less than 1 inch wide followed by removal of cut material. Will need to be repeated.

Use all chemicals according to the manufacturer's label. No specific recommendation or endorsement is made or implied by listing methods or products.