Elaeagnus angustifolia

Photo Courtesy of K. Hubeny

Plant Name   Russian Olive
Scientific name Elaeagnus angustifolia
Family Elaeagnaceae
Vegetative Zone  Salt Marsh
Flowering Period  Early Summer
Identifying Characteristics  Alternate leaves, highly aromatic flowers in clusters of 1-3

Description

  • The Russian Olive is a deciduous tree that grows to about seven meters in height.
  • The leaves are alternate, 4-9 cm long, 1-2.5 cm wide, lanceolate, and have a smooth margin.
  • Flowers are about 1 cm long, with a four lobed yellow calyx.
  • Flowers are highly aromatic and grow in clusters of 1-3.
  • Flowers bloom in the early summer and are followed by cluster of fruit.
  • The fruit is small cherry-like drupe 1-1.7 cm long, and is orange-red covered in silvery scales.

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