#persian olive

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Russian Olive

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Elaeagnus translates into marsh plant (and is similar to the Greek word of olive), while angustifolia means narrow leaf.

Family: Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster Family)

Fun Fact:  “The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent.” (PFAF)

Habitat: They are native to marshlands and grasslands of Central Europe to Central Asia. They are invasive to the midwestern United States.

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Russian Olive Elaeagnus angustifolia_1716 by Seig Via Flickr: Russian Olive Elaeagnus angustifolia near Ogden, UT 

Invasive to the United States

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Elaeagnus angustifolia by Andreas Rockstein Via Flickr: Schmalblättrige Ölweide (Elaeagnus angustifolia) im Schwetzinger Hardt, invasiv am Autobahndamm