Elaeagnus angustifolia Seeds | Russian Olive
LATIN NAME: Elaeagnus angustifolia
COMMON NAME: Russian Olive
Plant Profile
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) grows as a deciduous shrub in the oleaster family, native to western and central Asia. The Russian olive is a tough, silvery, often thorny shrub or small tree of dry lands, and its slender, silvery-green leaves and its small, fragrant, yellow flowers have made it a valued plant of windbreaks and the gardens. In some regions beyond its home the Russian olive has spread readily, so it is best planted with a mind to local garden and local flora. In good conditions it grows to around Ten metres. Each of these traits is modest on its own; together they make a garden-worthy plant.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the oleaster family, Elaeagnus angustifolia is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. The Russian olive has a real and growing place in the research. With present-day seed handling, raising this species well within the reach of any careful grower.
Uses & Benefits
Russian Olive works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, the Russian olive is a generous tree of the garden. Its small, fragrant, yellow flowers feed bees and insects, and its small, oval fruits feed birds, while its dense, leafy crown gives a fine shelter to birds of dry garden. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Autumn olives and their kin bear lycopene-rich edible berries, fix their own nitrogen, and appear in folk medicine as astringent fruit remedies; they are among the most useful plants for edible landscaping.
Growing from Seed
Raising Russian Olive from seed is straightforward. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. A spell of cool, moist conditions ahead of sowing brings the seed along nicely and supports even germination. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Russian Olive repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Russian Olive often pair it with these related subjects: