PlantFiles: Russian Olive, Oleaster, Ebbinge's Silverberry
Elaeagnus x ebbingei 'Limelight'

There seems to be some confusion about the russian olive/oleaster names and which species is invasive.
The names "Russian Olive" and "Oleaster" apply to many species of the Eleagnus genus. E. Angustifolia is the species that is extremely invasive, especially in the western U.S. It is a very thorny shrub or small tree, with silvery leaves and very small fruit that have no hint of red at all. They are either silver or silver green and perhaps 1/2 inch in length maximum.
In many western U.S. states, it is now illegal to plant E. Angustifolia , and in certain locales you are required to remove existing plants.
E. Angustifolia, along with Tamarix (salt cedar or tamarisk) species, form dense thickets that displace native species, especially in riprarian areas.
As far as I know, other species and varietals of Eleagnus are not considered to be invasive. Sterile hybrids are the safest type to plant.

My mother has several varieties of Elaeagnus in her landscape. I love the look of the 'Limelight' cultivar.

This hybrid species of garden origin, the result of a cross between E. macrophylla and E. pungens (or perhaps E. x reflexa), is commonly grown as a garden ornamental in Great Britain and on the European contenent. There are many cultivars in use there.

The species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria. These bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. It can grow in poor soil conditions with low water requirements, and has few pest problems.

I cannot understand how this beautiful, useful, and easy to grow plant can be considered invasive in the US. It should be used more on this side of the pond.

I wish I knew where to find more of this particular cultivar here. Does anyone know a source for them in the US?

This shrub/small tree is on the invasive species list all over the U.S., but I like it anyway. Seeds ordinarily need to pass through the intestine of a bird before they will germinate, so treat seeds with bird poop or muriatic acid before planting. Berries are excellent for winemaking and jams and such, very high in lycopenes and other beneficial antioxidants. Easy to grow, thrives in poor soil, my kind of plant.

This is a very useful shrub. It is hardy and tolerant of exposed and maritime conditions, making an ideal 'shelter belt' plant.
The large, rather leathery leaves have a silvery scaly bloom and a large central yellow blotch, giving a very pleasing overall effect.
The white flowers take you by surprise in September/October/November. They are very small, almost insignificant, but you will probably first become aware that they are there as their scent fills the air.
The flowers are followed by orange silver-speckled berries in the spring

FranG tells me this is on the invasive plants list in New England - you have been warned!