Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is classified botanically as a hardwood. This small, deciduous tree is known for its silvery, lance-shaped leaves and often-thorny branches. The tree, which can grow to about 35 feet tall, is a member of the flowering plant group, which scientifically determines its wood type.
The Botanical Definition of Hardwood
The designation of wood as “hardwood” or “softwood” is based purely on the botanical classification of the tree, not the wood’s actual physical hardness. Hardwoods originate from angiosperms, which are plants that reproduce via flowers and produce seeds enclosed in a fruit or ovary. Russian Olive is an angiosperm because it produces small, fragrant yellow flowers that develop into an olive-shaped fruit.
In contrast, softwoods come from gymnosperms, which are typically cone-bearing trees like pines and firs. Therefore, the term hardwood is a scientific classification that applies to all flowering trees, regardless of whether their timber is physically soft or exceptionally dense.
Physical Characteristics of Russian Olive Wood
Russian Olive wood exhibits a distinctive and attractive appearance that makes it desirable for small projects. The heartwood ranges from a light yellowish-brown to a darker golden brown, often featuring a greenish hue and sometimes dark streaks. The sapwood, which is the outer layer, is a much lighter yellow-white color.
The wood has a medium density, registering a Janka hardness of approximately 1,240 pounds-force, which is comparable to Black Walnut. Its texture is notably uneven and very porous, distinguishing it from the true Olive wood (Olea europaea), which has a tighter grain. This grain pattern, which is ring-porous, can be visually appealing, particularly when featuring natural irregularities like knots and burls.
Due to the tree’s small size and tendency toward a highly branching form, the wood is not generally available in large, straight boards. Instead, it is commonly used for smaller, detailed crafts such as knife scales, decorative bowls, and turned objects like pens. Woodworkers note that the wood can be prone to cracking during the drying process, requiring careful handling.
Understanding Russian Olive’s Invasive Status
Despite its interesting wood and ornamental value, Russian Olive is widely known in North America as an invasive species. It is native to Eurasia and was first introduced to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was intentionally planted for its drought tolerance, used as windbreaks, and for erosion control in dry regions like the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains.
The tree quickly escaped cultivation due to its high adaptability and efficient seed dispersal, particularly in riparian areas along rivers and streams. Its rapid spread and establishment lead to the displacement of native vegetation, making it a threat to local ecosystems. Consequently, Russian Olive is now designated as a noxious or invasive weed in numerous states across the country.
Many inquiries about the wood’s properties arise from the context of removal efforts, as land managers and homeowners often cut down the tree to manage its invasive spread. The harvested wood is then often repurposed for small crafts or used as firewood.