It's been a few months since a photograph from Maureen aka MontanaRaven@Flickr has appeared on BPotD, so it's time to break that streak (original image | Flickr BPotD Group Pool). Love the autumn colours, Maureen – thank you!
Russian olive or silverberry is native to much of temperate Asia and southeastern Europe. It was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant in the early twentieth century. Unfortunately, it can now be found naturalized in the wild in most provinces and states, such that it is indeed considered invasive. It is particularly harmful when it establishes in riparian zones (scroll down to “What problems does it cause?”), where it reduces overall species richness (like so many other invasives).
To see other photographs of this plant, visit the USDA Plants Database: Elaeagnus angustifolia.
"native to much of temperate Asia and southeastern Europe"
Flora Europaea only lists it as introduced in Europe
I've checked 5 references. 3 say native to southern Europe, 2 say introduced to southern Europe. Not sure what to believe.
I have about a dozen Russian Olive shrubs and last year they looked really good but this year each shrub has severl branches that have very few leaves. We had a wet spring here in NE Mississippi and now is is very hot and dry late June.) Do you think the weather has caused these bare branches? If so, what do I need to do?...Thanks PK