Russian Olive
Elaeagnus angustifolia
Also listed as Elaeagnus argentea, Elaeagnus caspica
Also known as Oleaster, Russian Silverberry, Russian Elaeagnus
Climate Match for your location
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A fast-growing deciduous tree with narrow, silvery-gray foliage and fragrant small yellow flowers followed by ornamental silver berry-like fruits. Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, making it useful for tough, dry sites.
Why grow it
Russian olive establishes quickly in arid and semi-arid climates where many ornamental trees struggle, offering both visual interest through its fine, silvery foliage and fragrant flowers. Compared to native deciduous shrubs and small trees suited to dry sites, it tolerates poor, saline, or compacted soils with minimal amendment. Its deep root system makes it useful for erosion control on slopes or in windbreak plantings where irrigation is impractical.
Watch out for
The plant produces abundant self-seeding fruit that can spread beyond intended planting areas, particularly in riparian zones and open spaces. Pruning and maintenance can be necessary to manage its tendency toward dense, tangled branching. In areas where it is not restricted, periodic monitoring may help prevent unwanted seedling establishment nearby.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Elaeagnaceae
Native Range
Central Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A fast-growing deciduous tree with narrow, silvery-gray foliage and fragrant small yellow flowers followed by ornamental silver berry-like fruits. Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, making it useful for tough, dry sites.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Russian Olive grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Russian olive establishes quickly in arid and semi-arid climates where many ornamental trees struggle, offering both visual interest through its fine, silvery foliage and fragrant flowers. Compared to native deciduous shrubs and small trees suited to dry sites, it tolerates poor, saline, or compacted soils with minimal amendment. Its deep root system makes it useful for erosion control on slopes or in windbreak plantings where irrigation is impractical.
Watch out for
The plant produces abundant self-seeding fruit that can spread beyond intended planting areas, particularly in riparian zones and open spaces. Pruning and maintenance can be necessary to manage its tendency toward dense, tangled branching. In areas where it is not restricted, periodic monitoring may help prevent unwanted seedling establishment nearby.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Elaeagnaceae
Native Range
Central Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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