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Russian olive
Elaeagnus angustifolia
In the United States:
Invasive
· also called oleaster
Listed as invasive. Check local regulations — several jurisdictions restrict planting.
Honeybees forage on Russian olive for moderate amounts of nectar and pollen from its small, fragrant, silvery flowers during late spring, providing a valuable resource in arid or early-season gaps. The plant thrives in dry, poor, or saline soils and fixes atmospheric nitrogen, benefiting surrounding vegetation. It spreads via root suckers and bird-dispersed seeds, often requiring pruning or containment to manage growth.
| Nectar | medium |
|---|---|
| Pollen | medium |
| Bloom (US) | May–June |
| Duration | ~3 weeks |
| Type | Perennial |
| Sun | full |
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