Biology, ecology and management of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (Russian olive) in western North America

Wetlands
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Abstract

Elaeagnus angustifolia (Russian olive) is an alien tree that is increasingly common in riparian habitats of western North America. This paper reviews the pertinent scientific literature in order to determine the status of E. angustifolia as a riparian invader and to suggest ecological reasons for its success. Elaeagnus angustifolia meets the biogeographic, spread, and impact criteria for invasive species. Ecological characteristics likely enabling its invasiveness include adaptation to the physical environmental conditions that characterize semi-arid riparian habitats, lack of intense pressure from herbivores, and tolerance of the competitive effects of established vegetation. We believe that the success of this species is at least partly due to its ability to take advantage of the reduced levels of physical disturbance that characterize riparian habitats downstream from dams. Control of E. angustifolia is likely to be most promising where natural river flow regimes remain relatively intact.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Biology, ecology and management of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (Russian olive) in western North America
Series title Wetlands
DOI 10.1672/0277-5212(2003)023[0763:BEAMOE]2.0.CO;2
Volume 23
Issue 4
Year Published 2003
Language English
Publisher The Society of Wetland Scientists
Contributing office(s) Fort Collins Science Center
Description 15 p.
First page 763
Last page 777
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