Laserfiche WebLink
PCA Alien Plant Working Group - Russian-Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) <br />DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES: Russian-dive is found primarily in the <br />central and western U.S., as well as in the East (e.g., Virginia to Pennsylvania), <br />where it occurs with its exotic partner, autumn-olive (Elaeagnus umbellata). In the <br />West, Russian-olive occurs mainly in the Great Basin Desert region at 800-2000 <br />feet elevation and is also abundant in riparian zones of the Great Plains, for example, the Platte <br />River in Nebraska. <br />HABITAT IN THE UNITED STATES: Russian-olive is found along streams, fields and open areas. <br />Seedlings are tolerant of shade and it thrives in a variety of soil and moisture conditions, including <br />bare mineral substrates. <br />BACKGROUND: First cultivated in <br />Germany in 1736, Russian-olive was <br />introduced into the U. S. in the late 1800s, <br />and was planted as an ornamental, and <br />subsequently escaped into the wild. Until <br />recently, the U.S. Soil Conservation <br />Service recommended Russian- olive for <br />wildlife planting and windbreaks. <br />BIOLOGY & SPREAD: Establishment and <br />reproduction of Russian-olive is by <br />primarily by seed, although some vegetative propagation also occurs. The fruit of Russian-olive is <br />a small cherry-like drupe that is readily eaten and disseminated by many species of birds. <br />MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: Mowing hedges with a brush type mower, followed by removal of cut <br />material may be the most effective method for eradication. Herbivorous animals are not known to <br />feed on it and few insects seem to utilize or bother it. Canker disease is occasionally a problem but <br />not enough to be useful as a control agent. <br />USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL <br />MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE <br />GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL <br />PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/elan 1.htm <br />6/6/2005