Weed of the Month: Russian Olive
Our weed of the month isn’t a tiny, easy to overlook plant. This month we’re featuring the hardy and deciduous tree, the Russian Olive.
Russian Olive: The Backstory
Russian Olive trees are native to Europe and Asia. In the early 1900s Russian Olives were imported to the United States. Americans planted these trees for landscaping aesthetics, to stave off erosion, to provide pollen for honey bees, and to block snow and wind. Although Russian Olives provide some benefits, it is detrimental to our environment.
Russian Olive: An Invasive Ecological Threat
Russian Olive trees are a threat to Teton County’s ecosystem for numerous reasons.
They are a threat to our river corridors because they form dense, impenetrable stands that choke out native vegetation like willows and cottonwoods. If a massive Russian Olive infestation were to occur on the Snake River the trees would clog up the shore and significantly disrupt the natural water flow.
Russian Olive: Identification
The Russian Olive’s scientific name is Elaeagnus angustifolia.
Trunk/Bark
- A small tree with low branches and trunk that often leans
- Grows between 10-25 feet tall
- Bark can be dark gray, brown, or reddish
Branches
- Branches may have thorns approximately 1-2 inches in length
Leaves
- Leaves are a silvery green
- Leaves alternate
Flowers
- Small, silvery-yellow, fragrant, and typically found in small clusters of 1-3 flowers
Russian Olive: Habitat
Russian Olive trees often (although not exclusively) grow near rivers or water corridors. It can thrive in a range of ecosystems. Russian Olive trees survive in areas with periodic flooding yet can survive in areas with drought.
Russian Olive: Management
Prevention
Russian Olive trees are difficult to control.
- Know how to identify a Russian Olive tree (its flowers, leaves, branches, fruit etc)
- Know how to identify its local look-alikes
Inspect your land every year for Russian Olive tree saplings. Even if you didn’t accidentally introduce this tree while landscaping, building a structure, or moving equipment, it could escape a neighbor’s property and start to establish itself on the edge of your land.
Mechanical and Chemical Control
If a Russian Olive Tree is already established then a combined mechanical and chemical control plan is your best option. Here are our recommended steps:
- Contact TCWP and report the tree so that we can confirm the species.
- Work with us to devise an efficient and effective plan for removing the tree from your property.
- Wear protective clothing to protect yourself against Russian Olive’s thorns.
- Wear protective clothing consistent with the TCWP recommended herbicide. Every EPA-registered herbicide will list the minimum PPE (personal protective equipment) requirements. Many herbicides require long pants, long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection.
- Use a chainsaw or other machinery to cut the Russian Olive tree down to a stump.
- Use the herbicide to treat the stump.
- Check for new growth every year.
Although these are typical steps for removing a Russian Olive tree, consult our staff beforehand. The location of the tree, new herbicides on the market, and advanced research may change our typical recommendations. Contact us at (307) 733-8419 or fill out our contact form at https://www.tcweed.org/contact.