RUSSIAN OLIVE Elaeagnus angustifolia
• A hardy, fast‑growing small tree valued for its silvery foliage, rugged adaptability, and strong performance in harsh prairie conditions, forming a rounded to irregular crown with dense branching.
• Narrow, silver‑green leaves create a distinctive shimmering effect in the wind; intensely fragrant yellow flowers appear in early summer and are highly attractive to bees.
• Produces clusters of small, silver‑coated drupes that are technically edible and widely consumed by birds; fruit drop is moderate but generally not considered messy.
• Exceptionally tolerant of drought, alkaline soils, clay, wind exposure, and poor sites; thrives where many other species fail. Mature plants are thorny and highly resistant to deer browsing.
• Full Sun
• Zone 2, 5–7 m Height × 4–6 m Width
