Elaeagnus angustifolia
(Russian Olive)
Elaeagnus angustifolia, James Robb State Park, Fruita, Mesa Co. 9236
Elaeagnus angustifolia, James Robb State Park, Fruita, Mesa Co. 6235
Elaeagnus angustifolia, James Robb State Park, Fruita, Mesa Co. 6237
Elaeagnus angustifolia, James Robb State Park, Fruita, Mesa Co. 6239
Elaeagnus angustifolia, James Robb State Park, Fruita, Mesa Co. 6240
| Scientific Name | Elaeagnus angustifolia | USDA PLANTS Symbol | ELAN |
| Common Name | Russian Olive | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 27770 |
| Family | Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Plains and foothills (3500 to 8000 ft.); various soil types and moistue conditions in riparian areas, flood plains, valley bottoms, springs, pastures, grasslands and along irrigation ditches, roadsides and fence rows. Plant: Fast-growing perennial, deciduous tree or small shrub that usually grows 10 to 25+ feet tall; bark shreddy and gray; branches reddish, often armed with thorns. Leaves: Branchlets with alternate leaves; lanceolate blades 1-1/4 to 4 inches long and 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches wide with smooth edges; on petioles 1-1/2 to 3 inches long; upper leaf surface is grayish-green, the lower is silver. Inflorescence: Solitary or in clusters of two to three flowers near leaf axils; floral tube has star-shaped hairs and is about 3/8-inch long; 4 yellow sepals resembling petals; very fragrant. Bloom Period: May and June. Fruit: Ovoid or ellipsoid, 3/8 to 5/8-inch long, pale yellowish-green becoming orange-yellow in age. References: Flora of North America, US Dept. of Agriculture, Colorado Dept. of Agriculture and SEINet. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native INVASIVE |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains