Russian Olive
Eleagnus angustifolia
Introduction
Russian olive is a small tree that was introduced from southwestern
Europe. It has thorny branches and almost gray leaves. It can
grow up to 15 to 20 feet tall. The Russian olive was brought over
as an ornamental and has since escaped into the wild. Until recently
it was planted for windbreaks and wildlife habitat.
Environmental Impacts
The Russian olive can survive in a wide range of habitats.
It tends to prefer riparian areas next to streams. The Russian olive
chokes out all native vegetation in an infested area. In Nebraska
it thrives along the Platte river, but it can also survive in open rangeland
as well. It can survive on relatively poor soil because it has the
ability to fix nitrogen in its roots. It is spread by birds that
feed on the fruits and drop the undigested seeds.
Remedial Action
Currently, the only management strategy for controlling the Russian
olive is to control it mechanically. There are not many insects or
diseases that affect the Russian olive so there are not many prospects
for biological control. Since this is a tree there is a limited number
of chemicals that will control the Russian olive.