Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.)
Russian olive is a thorny, deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow between 5 and 30 feet tall. It is easily recognized by its distinctive silvery-gray appearance caused by dense scales covering stems, buds, leaves, and young growth.
Leaves are alternate, lance-shaped to egg-shaped, 2–4 inches long, and have smooth margins. The upper surface is gray-green with fine hairs, while new growth is coated in silver scales, giving the plant a white or silvery sheen.
Stems are often reddish and may bear sturdy thorns 1–2 inches long. Older bark becomes reddish-brown and may appear shredded.
Plants begin flowering and producing fruit at approximately three years of age. Highly fragrant yellow flowers appear in summer. Flowers are small (0.2–0.4 inches wide), bell-shaped, and consist of four petal-like sepals arranged in clusters. These are later replaced by abundant ½-inch-long fruits resembling small “olives,” which mature from silvery-gray to reddish-brown.
Russian olive is commonly found along waterways, riparian areas, roadsides, and disturbed sites, where it can form dense stands that outcompete native vegetation.
Quick ID Guide
Growth Form:
• Deciduous shrub or small tree
• 5–30 feet tall
• Thorny branches
​
Leaves:
• Alternate
• Lance-shaped or egg-shaped
• Smooth margins
• Silvery-gray appearance
• 2–4 inches long
​
Stems & Bark:
• Reddish stems
• 1–2 inch thorns
• Shredded bark on older growth
• Dense silver scales on new growth
​
Flowers (Summer):
• Yellow
• Bell-shaped
• Highly fragrant
• Grow in clusters
​
Fruit:
• ½ inch long
• Silvery-gray turning reddish-brown
• Resemble small olives
Management Options
Prevention and sound cultural practices should be a priority. Clean construction and mowing equipment before moving between sites, and use certified Weed Free gravel, mulch, and topsoil to help prevent new infestations.
​
At this time, there are no approved biological control agents available for Russian olive.
​
Because Russian olive is a woody shrub or small tree with a deep and extensive root system, successful control typically requires a combination of mechanical removal and herbicide treatment. Large shrubs and trees are best managed using the cut-stump method — cut the trunk as close to the ground as possible and immediately apply a labeled herbicide to the freshly cut surface. Herbicide must be applied right away for maximum effectiveness.
​
Basal bark treatments may be effective on smaller, multi-stemmed plants. Cut-stump and other herbicide applications are often most successful in the fall or during dormancy, depending on the product used.
​
Long-term monitoring is essential, as treated plants may resprout from the rootstock. Always read and follow herbicide label directions before application. Contact Sublette County Weed & Pest for guidance on herbicide selection, application rates, and timing.
