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Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Habitat Management
Suggestions for Selected Wildlife Species Description This rapid-growing, medium-sized tree is native to southern Europe, western Asia and western Himalayas. It has simple, silver-gray leaves and in early summer bears many small, yellow, highly-fragrant flowers that develop into whitish or silvery fruit about 1/4 to ½ inches in diameter. The seed matures in July and a portion of the fruit remains on the branches into the winter. The young stems and branches are a light gray color, usually armed with 3/4 inch thorns and develop a darker glossy brown as they mature. The alternately branched stem forms a wide, spreading crown. The leaves are shed in the fall and early winter. Some farmers find the thorns on Russian olive objectionable, primarily due to tire puncture problems on tractors and other equipment. Plant testing and selection work is being done to develop a thornless variety. Adaptation Russian olive thrives under a wide range of moisture and soil conditions but does best at elevations below 4000 feet. It grows in stream bottoms where the water table is seldom more than 2 feet below the surface and is highly tolerant to alkali. In contrast, it is also cited as being the most drought-tolerant medium sized tree available. Tha plant is considered to be tolerant of partial shade, but grows best in full sun. It sometimes spreads into untended areas where it needs to be controlled, but seldom spreads in well managed pastures of in cultivated fields. Establishment The seedlings to be planted should be one or two years old, with no prior transplantings, and at a height of 12 to 24 inches. The plants should be spaced 3 to 6 feet apart on moist sites and 6 to 8 feet on dry sites for wildlife food and cover. Weeds and grasses should be controlled until the ground is almost fully shaded by the crown. Management and Care Cultivation for the first two to three yearrs is usually required to control weeds and is needed every year in areas with 12 to 15 inches of annual precipitation. Minimal to no pruning or shearing is necessary for wildlife plantings. Protection from fire and excessive grazing is required for good plant survival and growth. Control of grasshoppers and rabbits may occasionally be necessary. Diseases are not usually a problem. Uses More than 50 kinds of birds and mammals eat the fruit of Russian olive. The berries are a choice of food of robins, cedar waxwings and sharptailed grouse. Plant cover is used by partridge, chukar, pheasants, sharptailed grouse and mourning doves. The twigs, stems and leaves are not a preferred food for browsing animals. (Top) |
More than 50 kinds of birds and mammals eat the fruit of Russian olive.
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