Autumn Olive

Isn’t this a pretty plant?

Smells good, too.

It produces edible berries that birds love.

Sometimes it is difficult to make an invasive species out to be the “bad guy” that it is.

It’s certainly easier to dislike…Poison Ivy, say…than this lovely shrub!

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus Umbellata), also known as Oleander or Japanese Silverberry has plenty of good things going for it, sure.

However…

• The rapid growth and ability to provide a canopy of shade quickly displaces natural plants.
• The ability to set nitrogen in the soil makes the ground too rich for many native species.
• The berries are widely dispersed by birds, so spread is uncontrolled.
• It has been noted that the variety of birds is reduced, in areas where Autumn Olive berries are the main food source.

 

Pretty as it is, this is not a plant we want taking over our fields and open areas.

Let’s continue to be watchful!