Invasive Alien of Virginia Autumn ( umbellata Thunberg) Russian Olive ( L.)

Description Autumn olive is a or small in the Oleaster family. are alternate, oval to lanceolate, and untoothed. The underside of the dark green is covered with silver-white scales. The plant may grow to a height of 20 feet. The small, light yellow are borne along twigs after the leaves have appeared early in the growing season. The small, round, juicy are reddish to pink, dotted with scales, and produced in great quantity. Autumn olive is easily confused with a closely related species, Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), which is also an . Russian olive has elliptic to lanceolate leaves, its branches are usually thorny, and its is yellow, dry and mealy. Identification should be confirmed by a specialist.

Habitat ute to dispersal. It is widely dis- Autumn olive has nitrogen-fixing tributed in Virginia, having been re- root nodules which allow it to thrive corded in 46 counties. in poor soils. Typical habitats are Russian olive, native to Eurasia, disturbed areas, roadsides, pastures was planted as an ornamental and and fields in a wide range of soils. escaped cultivation in the central Autumn olive is drought tolerant and western . At this and may invade grasslands and time, Russian olive is rare in Vir- sparse woodlands. It does not do ginia, where it has been reported well on wet sites or in densely for- only from Accomack, Fairfax, ested areas. Northumber-land and Warren coun- Russian olive can be found in dry ties. to moist soils, but does particularly well in sandy floodplains. Threats Autumn olive is a very troublesome Distribution invasive species in Virginia. In ad- Autumn olive was introduced to the dition to its prolific fruiting, seed United States from east Asia in the dispersal by birds, rapid growth and 1830s. It is found from Maine south ability to thrive in poor soil, Autumn to Virginia, and west to Wisconsin. olive resprouts vigorously after cut- Autumn olive was planted in the ting or burning. It creates heavy Autumn Olive ( ) eastern and central United States for shade which suppresses that revegetation of disturbed areas. require direct sunlight. sian olive poses similar threats. In Birds forage on its fruit and contrib- Although rare in Virginia, Rus- the western United States it has be-

For more information, contact the Department of Conservation and Recreation or the Virginia Native Plant Society.

Virginia Native Plant Society P.O. Box 844, Annandale, VA 22030 1500 E. Main Street, Suite 312, Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 786-7951 Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia Autumn Olive Russian Olive come a major problem in riparian minimizes damage to other plants. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) woodlands, threatening even large, Glyphosate herbicides are recom- blooms early in the spring and its hardy native plants such as cotton- mended because they are biodegrad- fruits are quickly eaten by birds. wood. able, breaking down into harmless Other alternatives are components on contact with the soil. such as American holly (Ilex opaca), Control To be safe and effective, herbicide bayberry (Myrica pennsylvanica) Seedlings and sprouts can be hand- use requires careful knowledge of and wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera). pulled when the soil is moist to in- the chemicals, appropriate concen- All are available at local nurseries. sure removal of the root system. On trations, and the effective method larger plants, cutting alone results in and timing of their application. Con- References thicker, denser growth. Burning dur- sult an agricultural extension agent Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. 1993. ing the dormant season also results or a natural resource specialist for Environmentally Sound Landscape in vigorous resprouting. more details on herbicide control Management for the Chesapeake Bay. A glyphosate herbicide can be measures. used to control larger plants. Foliar Eckardt, N. 1987. Elaeagnus umbellata-- application has proven effective in Suggested Alternative Plantings Autumn olive. Element Stewardship Abstract. The Nature Conservancy, controlling these species. Since There are many native species which Minneapolis. glyphosate is nonselective and will are attractive as ornamentals, stabi- affect all green vegetation, care lize soils, and provide food and Harvill, A., et. al. 1992. Altas of the Virginia should be taken to avoid impacting cover for wildlife. Winterberry (Ilex Flora. Virginia Botanical Associates. native plant species. At sites where verticillata), black haw (Viburnum Burkesville. this is a concern, application of the prunifolium), gray dogwood herbicide to the freshly cut stumps (Cornus racemosa) and shining Szafoni, B. 1994. Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata). Vegetation Management of the invasive shrub should achieve sumac (Rhus copallina) all provide Guideline, Vol. 1, No. 3, Illinois the desired results. This method a winter source of food for birds. Department of Conservation, Charleston.

For more information, contact the Department of Conservation and Recreation or the Virginia Native Plant Society.

Virginia Native Plant Society P.O. Box 844, Annandale, VA 22030 1500 E. Main Street, Suite 312, Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 786-7951