Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis) removal NPS. Russian olive is a shrub or small tree with silvery leaves, small thorns, and fragrant yellow flowers which turn to fruit. Native to southern Europe and central Asia, Russian olive was introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant in the 1800s. In the early 1900s it was recommended as a windbreaker, control for erosion, and wildlife cover. Though birds will eat the fruit of Russian olive, bird species diversity is higher in riparian areas which are dominated by native vegetation.
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