Russian Olive

RussianOlive_5389077-PPT

Russian olive is a non-native tree that has been planted as an ornamental and restoration species but has escaped and is now impacting our riparian areas.  List B noxious weed.

RissianOlive_thumbnail_5371322-PPT (1)Clusters of light yellow aromatic flowers.  May-July





Photo: Jan Samanek, Phytosanitary Administration, Bugwood.org
RussianOlive_fruit_thumbnail_DoranFruits are silvery-grey.  Each contain one hard seed.  
The fruits form in groups at leaf axils.  
Often eaten and spread by birds.



Photo: JCISM
Russian_Olive_Leaf_Thumbnail_Doranleaves are alternate leaves and egg or lance-shaped with smooth margins.
Leaves are narrow and 2 to 3 inches long.   
The upper surface has star-shaped hairs that give them a greyish-green color.  The undersides have silvery-white scales.

Photo: JCISM
RussianOlive_thumbnail_DoranStems have stiff sharply pointed spines.  
Young stems are smooth and rusty colored.




Photo: JCISM 
RussianOlive_bark_thumbnail_DoranMature bark is shaggy and reddish-brown.





Photo: JCISM 
RissianOlive_shrub_thumbnail_DoranYoung plants are shrubby and are often found in disturbed areas.





Photo: JCISM
RussianOlive_Thumbnail_5399838-PPTMature trees are 10 to 25+ feet tall and from 4 to 20 inches in diameter. 




Photo: Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org


RESOURCES

IPCW Plant Report

BYUI Applied Plant Science Department - Russian Olive ID YouTube video

Montana Weed Control Association - Russian Olive ID

National Invasive Species Information Center