Russian-olive

Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia, Elaeagnaceae) is a deciduous tree or large shrub from central Asia and southern Europe, reaching about 35 feet tall. Alternate, oblong-lanceolate leaves (2.5 to 7.5 centimeters) are covered in silvery scales below, giving the canopy a distinctive silver-gray appearance. Small fragrant yellow tubular flowers (1 centimeter) appear from May to June, followed by yellow drupes with silvery scales.

Russian olive grows in full sun and is extremely drought-resistant, salt-tolerant, and adapted to alkaline soils, hardy in Zones 2a to 8b. It is a nitrogen-fixing species. The fruit is edible. The species is classified as invasive and listed as a noxious weed in multiple North American jurisdictions, where it out-competes native riparian vegetation. No cultivars are in the trade.