Elaegnus pungens - thorny olive, Russian olive
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Dense, evergreen,
perennial shrub growing 3 to 25 feet in height, with long projecting
shoots. Thorny olive's hardiness, high rate of fruit/seed production
and dispersal, high germination and growth rates, adaptability, and
ability to resprout give it a competitive edge over native species.
Once established, this species is highly invasive and difficult to
control. It can form dense monocultures, outcompeting native plants for
shade. Small infestations should be removed by hand, making sure to
remove the roots. Larger plants should be treated using herbicides,
with a foliar spray, basal bark spray, or a cut stump application.
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| Thorny olive leaves |
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| Thorny olive leaf undersides |
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| Thorny olive growth form |
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