Autumn Olive
A prolific seed producer, autumn olive can be spread long distances by birds and other animals that consume its berries. Its ability to fix nitrogen can alter soil chemistry and make site conditions unfavorable for native species that depend on infertile soil.
Common Name: Autumn Olive
Scientific Name: Elaeagnus umbellata
Native Range: East Asia
Background
Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is a medium to large deciduous tree or shrub growing up to 15 feet high and 20 feet wide. Its dull-green leaves are oval, or lance-shaped, with wavy leaf margins and silvery undersides. Autumn olive produces creamy-white flowers in the early summer and mature shrubs produce dense clusters of bright red berries.
Habitat
Autumn olive is commonly found along rights-of-way and on disturbed sites. It can also become established along forest edges, in canopy openings, and along riparian corridors.
NYS Distribution Map
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Identification
Leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped with a finely pointed tip, and grow 1-3 inches long with a dark-green upper surface and silvery bottom. The bark and trunk are light gray to brown with numerous white lenticels. Branches are covered with sharp thorns that can reach several inches in length. Creamy-white flowers bloom in summer, ripening to small, round red berries by September. Autumn olive closely resembles invasive Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia).
Impact
A prolific seed producer, autumn olive can be spread long distances by birds and other animals that consume its berries. Its ability to fix nitrogen can alter soil chemistry and make site conditions unfavorable for native species that depend on infertile soil. Thick patches may shade out lower growing plants and limit the establishment of native seedlings. Contact with the plant’s spines may cause minor injury.
Prevention and Control
Mechanical
Small plants can be removed with a shovel or weed wrench. The entire root system must be removed to prevent resprouting. Remove plants before fruit production to minimize additional spread.
Chemical
Selective herbicide applications can be used to control larger individuals or infestations. Glyphosate can be applied as a foliar spray or cut stem application. For best results, treatments should be performed during periods of active growth and full leaf expansion. Triclopyr based products can be used as a basal bark spray. Always consult and follow the herbicide product label.
