Weed of the Week

 October 24, 2007

 Russian olive, Elaeagnus angustifolia

Photographer: Wagner, W.L.. ©Smithsonian Institution. Courtesy of Collection Usage Requirements any use of copyrighted images requires notification of the copyright holder

 Characteristics:

Family: Elaeagnaceae

 Origin: Europe

 Description: 

• Perennial Tree
• Moderate in size (10-25 Feet average)

Stems: 

• Bark fibrous and brown
• erect multi-stemmed
• 1-2 inch spikes present throughout tree

 Flowers: 

• Yellow, arranged in clusters
• Pungent odor to flowers

 Leaves: 

• Light to olive green
• 2-3 inches long
• Covered with minute scales that give tree a silvery appearance
• Leaves entire

 Fruits 

• Look like small olives
• Silvery when forming
• Brown at maturity

 Other Information:

            Russian olives were introduced from Europe as an ornamental and windbreak for farmers in the middle 1900’s. Invades low lying pastures, meadows and waterways and becomes a serious weed problem. Seeds also dispersed through bird and animal feces further spreading the problem. Russian olives are listed as a Class B Noxious Weed by the state of Colorado.

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