Russian Olive
Elaeagnus augustifolia
Avg. Rating:
 
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Russian Olive
Details:
Plant Facts Mature Height | 15 - 25 feet | Mature Spread | 15 - 25 feet | Soil Type | Widely Adaptable | Moisture | Widely Adaptable | Mature Form | Irregular | Growth Rate | Rapid | Sun Exposure | Full Sun | Flower Color | Creamy, Yellow | Fall Color | Yellow to Orange | Foliage Color | Silvery | | 2-7 |
The Russian Olive tree, Elaeagnus Angustifolia, is an excellent windbreak and wildlife tree. It is extremely tolerant of environmental factors. The best windbreak tree for high wind areas. Pictured is the Russian Olive in a tree form. Russian Olive trees can be made into a hedge by planting 10’ apart in the row. The Russian Olive has low water requirements and displays a high tolerance for salt and alkali. Its stems, buds, and leaves have a dense covering of silvery to rusty scales. Leaves are egg or lance-shaped. At three years of age, plants begin to flower and fruit. Highly aromatic, creamy yellow flowers appear in June and July and are later replaced by clusters of abundant silvery fruits. Wildlife loves the fruit. Prized for its silvery gray foliage. Prefers a sunny location and is tolerant of most soil types.
Reviews:
Majestic Russian, 9/28/2008 1:20:25 AM
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Reviewer: dndheng
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I am sorry to see the negative reviews of this Majestic tree. Admittedly, it can be messy when it doesn't receive enough water as the limbs can get woody or die and the olives might be considered a nuisance by some people. However, it's canopy is exquiste, drooping and arched; it's silvery leaves gracing our gardens, ponds and Tortoise habitats, providing shade, delicious fragrance as well as food and shelter for a myriad of other natural birds & animals indigious to our area. ~ We are in the High Desert of Southern California so definitely need drought-tolerant trees and this Olive takes more water than we were advised, actually more water than we expected but it has not proven invasive in our very alkali area. Fairly fast growing, it tolerates our cold winters, frost and snow and everyone that has visited our Preserve and our home have, without exception, commented on its beauty. We are sorry we don't have more of them!
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It made quite the difference., 3/15/2009 4:06:28 PM
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Reviewer: Nittygritty1
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When our shelter belt was planted, way back in 1956, the Russian Olive tree was exualted by the county extension office and the USDA to provide protection, food, shade and stamina. In the back row, because they would grow higher, was the Caraganda, next row, Ash, then Russian Olive and Lilac. Over the years, it became apparent all the trees needed to be trimmed up and the dead wood removed. We tilled between the rows and to this day, the shelter belt is beautiful. Yes, the Russian Olive was a challenge, but the food they provided to the pheasants, sharp tail grouse and many other species during the winter was worth dealing with the negatives. They don't send runners around as many do, but multiply when their berries are scattered by the wind and also by the birds. My point is this, the prairies of Montana were never meant to foster trees.. but the Russian Olive made life bearable. The North winds blowing snow with temperatures hovering way below zero, one can always look up and in the Russian Olive trees will be families of birds eating the berries and finding the energy they need to survive the miserable cold temperatures. Also, the deer come into the shelter and forage on the Russian Olives. I do not think they are given the credit they deserve. They are very hardy and yes, when the flowers are blooming, the fragrance is nearly overpowering. First come the flowers and then come the olives that stay on the trees for the wildlife to enjoy. If you are planting a couple or so, you shouldn't be overwhelmed by them. Just keep them trimmed up and enjoy the beautiful slivery green leaves. Sometimes they will sucker off of the main trunk, just cut them off. Some produce a thorn. It's all part of this very hardy species. If you keep the dead stuff removed, they will be beautiful and last for a very long time.... or at lease until the "well-intended", tell us to remove them. The same ones who told us to plant them. I know there is a movement to take out the Russian Olive trees as there are those who consider them a weed. Perhaps to some they are, but to my family and many other rural families, the Russian Olive tree helped the other more mild species take root so like our city neighbors, we too could enjoy a tree in our back yard.
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russian olives are fine, 9/29/2009 1:35:36 AM
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Reviewer: santafeumber
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I'm sure many of the folks disappointed in them, have problems with many other plants becomming invasive, I would suspect due to the wet areas they may live, where most things tend to get overgrown. If I lived on the east coast or new england area, I probably would not plant these as i can see how easily they could become invasive quickly due to their many seeds and abundance of rain/water. however out here in the arid Southwest, they don't tend to spread around so much, maybe a few here and there and they are easily pulled out while they are young and that is the end of the story. sometimes you can be surprised in a good way and one will pop up where you were thinking about eventually planting a tree. they will spread out of control, like most plants, when there is plenty of water around. due to our water shortage issues out here in the west, they are quite a nuisance in the river bed areas and arroyos. but having a few in your yard is really not problematic, they are graceful and beautiful, and as everyone commented on already - their flowering smell is more than intoxicating and a good solid reminder summer has arrived. they are , from my experience , pretty drought tolerant, but will consume more than their fair share of water, if it is available. I have found planting them in a low spot , where rain water collects, really helps and they can get a big "drink" now and then, of otherwise wasted water anyhow. the one person that commented about the dying limbs in periods of drought is very correct, but they always have a way of returning and the suckers just need to be kept under control. I recommend these beautiful trees here in the SW , in a well thought out area, where they are not going to consume water that other plants may depend on. keep them away from other plants you prize! they grow pretty fast out here, I have to say. at least 3-4 feet a season when younger.
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