Russian Olive
Elaeagnus angustifolia
Also known as: Elaeagnus orientalis
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, China, East Aegean Is., India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Lebanon-Syria, Myanmar, North Caucasus, Pakistan, Palestine, Russia, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Le.Loup.Gris
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Elaeagnaceae
- Genus:
- Elaeagnus
- Species:
- Elaeagnus angustifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- ELAN
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 900 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- silver-yellow
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
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: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens) Hummingbirds: Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna), Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously after fire; fire can increase seed germination.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nick or sand) followed by cold stratification for 60-90 days.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Bamert Seed (seeds)
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)