Russian-Olive - Eiaeagnus angustifolia

Elaeagnus is derived from the Greek heleagnos, meaning marshy and white, and refers to the tree’s white fruits; angustifolia means narrow-leaved. Even though native of southern Europe and Asia, this species has definitely found a “home” in Colorado. Its reputation for resistance to drought and preference to alkaline and sometimes high salt soils prompted its introduction first as a windbreak species for farmland. The striking grayish, strap-like leaves, scaly twigs and silvery berries make identification of Russian-Olive relatively simple.

When in flower in early summer, the yellow flowers give off a sweet fragrance that can be detected downwind a long distance. In young plants, the branchlets are usually tipped by a stout spine. This characteristic is generally less obvious in older plants unless severely pruned. Pruning will cause the plant to produce the juvenile spiny characteristic.

The species can be grown as a specimen tree for foliage contrast, shade or as a tall screen. Thought to be native to Colorado by many people, it is actually native to southern Europe and western Asia. This species has become naturalized in Colorado and grows along streams and rivers.

Other Denver locations

Everywhere.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Olive