The shrubs in this use-group are used between the windward row of shrubs and the deciduous trees in windbreaks, as single or multiple row windbreaks, or as individual plants. These are generally fast growing shrubs or small trees less than 25 feet tall. Russian olive is the check species.
Russian olive is a widely adapted intermediate shrub.
Russian olive, Elaeagnus angustifolia P-13522 Russian olive is a fast growing large shrub or small tree. The foliage is light to medium in density, depending upon the moisture available. The leaves are simple, light silvery-green and are covered with a white powdery bloom. The lower crown becomes quite open as the tree growth increases, indicating that the tree is very intolerant of shade. The alternately branched stem forms a wide, spreading crown.