Russian Olive

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Also known as: Elaeagnus orientalis

Russian Olive

Katrin Schneider / korina.info

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Elaeagnaceae
Genus:
Elaeagnus
Species:
Elaeagnus angustifolia

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
20-40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Ceanothus Silkmoth (Hyalophora euryalus), Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Columbia silk moth (Hyalophora columbia), Kaslo silkmoth (Hyalophora "kasloensis"), rose sallow (Sideridis rosea)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) Butterflies:Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
tolerates saline and alkaline soils