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Rangeland-Pasture Recommendations <br /> Russian Olive/Elaeagnus angustifolia <br /> Identification and Management <br /> Russian olive is a non-native deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach 10-25 <br /> feet tall. The foliage has an overall silvery appearance. The leaves are arranged <br /> ' alternately, 2-3 inches long and narrow with smooth margins. The upper surface is gray- <br /> green while the lower surface and leaf stalks are silvery-gray. The bark is dark reddish- <br /> brown in color and usually has 1-2 inch thorns. The twigs also have a silver-gray <br /> ' appearance. The flowers appear between May and June, they are yellow,bell shaped and <br /> arranged in clusters. The tree starts to produce fruit at 3 year of age. The fruit is shaped <br /> like a small olive and contain a single seed. The seeds are viable for up to 3 years. The <br /> ' Russian olive spreads mostly through seeds but can re-grow from injury. The Russian <br /> olive is very adaptable. The seedlings are tolerant of shade and drought conditions. It can <br /> thrive in a variety of soil types, including bare mineral substrates. They can grow <br /> ' between sea level and 8,000 feet. <br /> The Russian olive originated in southern Europe, central Asia and eastern Asia. <br /> They were introduced to the United States in the late nineteenth century as an ornamental <br /> shrub or small tree. It has been used extensively in wind breaks and stream bank <br /> ' stabilization. Russian olive will out-compete native vegetation, changes soil <br /> characteristics and taxes water reserves. It rapidly takes over lowland fields and often <br /> dries up irrigation ditches. Although the fruit is often eaten by birds, studies show there is <br /> ' a greater number of birds in an area dominated by native Cottonwoods. The long thorns <br /> the plant produces can make a stand of Russian olive impassable to cows and wildlife. <br /> This results in fewer native plants and less animal diversity. <br /> { tr <br /> ' The most effective method of control for Russian olive is to prevent its <br /> establishment through proper land management. Monitor susceptible areas for <br /> new infestations. <br /> On the backside of this sheet are Russian olive management <br /> recommendations. If you have any questions or would like more information, <br /> ' please contact the Weld County Public Works Dept., Weed Division at(970) 304- <br /> 6496 ext. 3770. Please visit our website www.weldweeds.org. <br /> t <br />