Autumn Olive
Eleagnus umbellata
Embedded Files
"Elaeagnus umbellata Frucht" by VoDeTan2Dericks-Tan is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
About
About
Eleagnus umbellata, or Autumn Olive, is a deciduous large shrub or small tree from East Asia. Although initially used to prevent soil erosion, this species has quickly become a rapidly spreading invasive species. Like other invasives, Autumn Olive outcompetes native species by shading them out and changing the soil chemistry in a process known as allelopathy.
"Elaeagnus umbellata SCA-02836 (4x3)" by R. A. Nonenmacher is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
"In the neighborhood - flowers of Elaeagnus umbellata Autumn Olive 110522" by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
"Elaeagnus umbellata SCA-02924" by R. A. Nonenmacher is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Identifying Features
Large shrub / small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 30 feet wide
Silver-speckled red berries which form in late summer
Alternate, oval leaves
2 to 4 inches long
The upper surface is a pale green color
The underside appears silvery because of the silver scales
"Elaeagnus umbellata" by Cillas is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Ecosystem Impacts
Ecosystem Impacts
Birds often eat the silvery, bright red berries and disperse the seeds
An Autumn Olive plant can begin to produce seeds in as little as three years
A single mature plant can produce over 200,000 seeds
Because of its nitrogen-fixing root nodules, Autumn Olive can grow in normally unsuitable environments
As climate change makes fires more likely and dries out certain regions, hardy shrubs like Autumn Olive could benefit
Removal Techniques
Removal Techniques
Pull out smaller plants, including the root system
Cut larger plants to ground level to prevent seed production
Repeatedly cutting the plants will deplete the root system
Work from "Best to Worst"
Target areas with more native species and less invasive plants
Apply triclopyr to foliage between June and October
Use Basal Bark and Stump Treatments any time of year if the weather permits
You can find a more detailed listing of mechanical and chemical treatment techniques on the PennState Extension website here
Native Alternatives
Native Alternatives
"Viburnum trilobum 02 WPC" by WayneRay is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
American Cranberry Bush
Showy white flowers and bright red berries
"Prunus maritima (Beach Plum) (34071357950)" by Plant Image Library from Boston, USA is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Beach Plum
Bright red-orange foliage in the fall, produces sweet, edible berries
"Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)" by Elsa Spezio is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Inkberry
Dark green evergreen shrub, produces black berries
References
References
"Invasive Plants in Your Backyard!" by the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District
Identifying Features
Removal Techniques
Native Alternatives
"Oriental Bittersweet" on PennState Extension
About
Identifying Features
Removal Techniques
"Autumn Olive: Your Invasive, Seedy Neighbor" by The Nature Conservancy
About
Identifying Features
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