Russian Olive is an introduced tree from Eurasia that has become invasive along rivers and stream corridors in the arid West, forming dense thickets that displace native cottonwood-willow gallery forests. Despite its invasive status, its silver-gray fruits are consumed by many birds and mammals. Management efforts are underway to remove it from riparian corridors.
Best time to see a Russian Olive
The best time to see a Russian Olive is April–August, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,147 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Russian Olive? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Russian Olive sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Russian Olive?
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