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Russian Olive

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Design with this plant

Overview

The Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is a hardy, deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 12-20 feet with an equal spread. It boasts narrow, silver-green leaves and fragrant, yellowish flowers in late spring, followed by olive-like fruits. Adaptable to various soils, it thrives in full sun and tolerates drought. Its use in design offers erosion control, windbreaks, and wildlife habitats with a rustic aesthetic. Zones 3-8.

Sun Full, HalfWater Low, Very LowZones 3–7
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) — deciduous shrub or small tree

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low, Very Low
USDA zones
3–7

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Elaeagnaceae

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Photos (81)

Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) — silver-scaled fruits about 0.5 inches in length; the Russian Olive thrives in full sun to partial shade, image 71
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) — the fruits offer ornamental interest and food for wildlife; silver-green leaves and fragrant, image 73
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) — the Russian Olive thrives in full sun to partial shade; lance-shaped leaves grow up to 4 inches long, image 74
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) — ripening to a muted olive green; regular pruning may be required to maintain the desired shape and prevent, image 72
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) — but it should be placed with consideration due to its potential invasiveness in some regions; regular, image 80
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) — including salt and urban pollution; silver-green leaves and fragrant, image 77
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) — exemplifying its versatile nature.<br><br>Given its rapid growth rate; lance-shaped leaves grow up to 4, image 78
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) — Regular pruning may be required to maintain the desired shape and prevent overproliferation; silver-green, image 81
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) — this species is suitable as a windbreak or privacy screen; the Russian Olive thrives in full sun to, image 79

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