The Russian Olive, scientifically named Elaeagnus angustifolia, is a small, deciduous tree or shrub that does not yield the culinary fruit known as a true olive. The common name is misleading, stemming from a superficial visual resemblance and the plant’s origin in Eurasia. This ornamental species was introduced from its native range, which stretches from Eastern Europe to Central Asia, but it belongs to a completely different botanical family than the familiar olive tree.
True Identity and Classification
The Russian Olive is classified within the family Elaeagnaceae, distinct from the Oleaceae family that contains the true olive, Olea europaea. The confusing nomenclature arises primarily from the silvery appearance of the Russian Olive’s foliage, which mimics the grayish-green leaves of the true olive tree.
This small tree typically grows 10 to 25 feet tall. It is characterized by a dense covering of silvery scales on its new stems, buds, and the undersides of its leaves. The plant also features numerous sharp thorns, measuring between one and two inches long, arranged alternately on its branches. In early summer, the tree produces small, highly aromatic flowers that are yellow on the inside and silvery on the outside.
The resemblance is based purely on the silvery-hued leaves, not on any genetic or fruit-producing relationship. The plant’s ability to thrive in harsh conditions, including poor or saline soils, made it a popular ornamental species when it was introduced to North America.
The Actual Fruit and Its Uses
The fruit produced by Elaeagnus angustifolia is a drupe. These small, non-fleshy fruits are olive-shaped and measure about 10 to 12 millimeters long. They mature from an initial silvery color to a reddish-yellow or tan-brown hue, retaining a covering of silvery scales.
The interior texture of the ripe fruit is dry, mealy, and sweet, though it can be astringent if consumed before full maturity. While edible for humans, the fruit is not commercially cultivated for food like the true olive. Some cultures have traditionally used the dried fruit powder in medicinal preparations or the fruit itself in jams and sherbets.
Russian Olive fruit contains a single, large seed and lacks the rich, harvestable oil that makes Olea europaea a globally significant crop. Instead, the fruit serves as an important food source for various wildlife, including cedar waxwings, robins, and game birds, which assists in seed dispersal.
Ecological Status and Spread
Introduced to the United States for its ornamental value and use in windbreaks, the Russian Olive has since become an aggressive, non-native invasive species in many regions. Its success is due to its high tolerance for environmental stressors, including drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. The plant is a nitrogen-fixer, meaning it can draw nitrogen from the atmosphere, giving it a significant advantage in nutrient-poor environments.
The tree’s ability to thrive in riparian areas, especially along rivers and streams, has led it to form dense, impenetrable thickets. These thickets outcompete native vegetation, such as cottonwoods and willows, reducing the biodiversity of the ecosystem. The displacement of native plant species alters wildlife habitats and negatively impacts the populations of native birds and other animals.
Birds readily consume the drupes, transporting the seeds over long distances in their droppings. Due to its aggressive nature and negative ecological impact, the Russian Olive is now listed as a noxious or regulated weed in numerous states. Control of the species often requires rigorous management techniques, including mechanical removal of the trees and the application of herbicides to prevent resprouting.