Russian Olive

Russian olive is a deciduous, often thorny shrub or small tree with narrow silvery leaves and fragrant cream-yellow summer flowers. Its drought and salt-spray tolerance can be useful in difficult sites, but it spreads readily and is invasive in parts of North America. ## Growing Give this species full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates several soil types, including lighter sandy or loamy ground, and can withstand dry conditions. The current catalog dimensions of 25 feet tall by 20 feet wide sit within the Royal Horticultural Society’s broad 4–8 meter mature range. Pruning can shape the plant, but flowers form on older growth, so heavy pruning may reduce bloom. ## Seasonal interest Silvery scales cover the leaves and shoots, and fragrant summer flowers are followed by silvery fruit that can mature yellow-orange. Birds and mammals disperse the seeds, contributing to naturalization beyond planted areas. ## Maintenance Check local invasive-plant guidance before planting and remove unwanted seedlings promptly. See the [Royal Horticultural Society profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/6310/elaeagnus-angustifolia/details), [North Carolina Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/elaeagnus-angustifolia/), and [USDA Forest Service review](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/elaang).