Russian-olive

General
Scientific Name: Elaeangus angustifolia
Family: Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster)
Hardiness: Zone 2
Leaves: Deciduous
Plant Type: Tree
Growth
Rate: Fast
Mature Height: 25’ - 45’
Mature Height: 25’ - 45’
Power Line: No
Ornamental
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Fruit: Yellow drupe
Fall Color: n/a

Small tree, sometimes referred to as a large shrub, introduced from Russia. Tolerates saline and alkaline soils. May invade unmanaged bottomlands and moist pastures. Thorny. Silvery leaf color. Leaves retained very late into fall. The largest tree in North Dakota is 43 feet tall with a canopy spread of 63 feet.

Light: Full sun.
Water: Drought resistant, does not withstand ponding.
Soil: Adaptable to a wide variety of soils. Tolerates alkaline and saline soils.

Russian-olive twigs are occasionally thorny.

Fruit is edible and sometimes used for preserves.

Russian-olive is an excellent tree for use in hedges, windbreaks and shelterbelts, though it can become invasive in certain situations.