Russian Olive

Russian olive trunk.
Russian olive leaves.
Russian olive seedling.
Russian olive thorn.
Russian olive tree.
Russian olive fruit.

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


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.

Treatment Timeline


JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec
Control











RemovalPlants regrow from stem and root fragments
Herbicide

Treat stump after cutting

Growth











Vegetative











Flowering











Seed