Russian Olive Elaeagnus angustifolia

Leaves: Simple, alternate, grayish green or upper surface, silvery gray beneath

Buds: Small, light brown to silvery

Twigs: Young shoots sivery gray, older shoots reddish brown

Fruit: Drupe-like silvery, more or less pulpy

Bark: Irregular furrowed, dark brown colored.

The Tree: Introduction from Russia, this small tree is characterized by spiy thorns, silvery leaves and fruits. It is drought and alkali resistant, fast growing in early life, and widely planted in shelterbelts. Susceptibility to stem canker diseases have reduced it popularity in the northern and eastern parts of the state. Naturalizes by seed and can become weedy.

Wildlife Value: Good , winter food ( fruit, twigs, foliage) and cover to over 50 wildlife species including upland game, song birds and hoofed browsers.