This highly invasive shrub, first introduced from East Asia, can grow up to 15 feet tall. Its oval, pointed leaves are alternate on straight branches and twigs (A). The leaf undersides are silvery white. The abundant, light yellow tube flowers dangle in clusters from the stems (B). Mature shrubs carry large quantities of red berries by July (C). This shrub is out of control at Neale Woods. The closely related Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) has yellow flowers and tan fruit.
Grows in all types of soils; its roots can fix their own nitrogen. In Neale Woods, common, for instance along Neale Trail. In Fontenelle Forest, rare along Stream Trail.
This invasive shrub is being controlled by cutting and uprooting.
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