Leaf type: Linear, lanceolate
Phyllotaxis: Alternate
Leaf (upper side)
Leaf (underside)
Habitus & biology
The Russian olive, oleaster, wild olive or silver berry is a tree or shrub that can reach over five metres in height and sheds its leaves in autumn. It shows its yellow flowers from May to July.
Distribution & habitates
The original distribution area is in Central Asia. As an ornamental plant, the Russian olive also found its way to Europe and North America, where it was able to establish itself in some regions (source).
Elaeagnus angustifolia can be found on embankments, scrub edges, on dams, in parks and industrial wastelands.
Botany
The Russian olive is a member of the oleaster family (Elaeagnaceae) and not related to the olive (Olea europaea).
