Elaeagnus angustifolia aka Russian Olive

Taxonomy

Elaeagnus angustifolia, commonly known as Russian olive, silver berry, oleaster, or wild olive, is a species of Elaeagnus native to western and central Asia, including Iran, southern Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and parts of Pakistan and India. It has also been introduced and widely established in North America. This deciduous shrub can reach heights of up to 6m and has red-tinted, silvery shoots, some of which may be spiky. The oval-shaped leaves are dark green on top and silver and scaly underneath, growing up to 10cm in length. Fragrant creamy-yellow flowers emerge from silvery buds during the summer, followed by scaly-silvery yellow fruit in the autumn. The plant is often thorny and can fix nitrogen in its roots, allowing it to grow in bare mineral substrates. In Iran, the dried fruit powder is used in combination with milk to treat rheumatoid arthritis and joint pains. Additionally, Elaeagnus angustifolia is one of the items included in the traditional table setting of Nowruz, the Persian spring celebration. Research has shown that the aqueous extract of Persian olive may have beneficial effects in reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis. However, it is important to note that the species is considered invasive in several regions of California, including the San Joaquin Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, southern Sierra Nevada, San Diego County, and parts of the Mojave Desert.

Common names

Russian Olive, Oleaster, Trebizond Date

How to care for Russian Olive

Difficulty

Russian Olive is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Russian Olive should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Russian Olive loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Russian Olive requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Russian Olive will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Region of origin

Russian Olive’s native range is Europe to W. Asia, extending as far north as latitude 55° in Russia.


More info:
Wikipedia