Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Removal in the Western United States: Multi-Site Findings and Considerations for Future Research

Abstract

Abstract:Elaeagnus angustifolia (Russian olive) is an introduced tree that has become one of the dominant species in many watersheds in the American West. Although it is a target of restoration efforts, very little is known about vegetation response after removal of this exotic species. To address this gap we surveyed 25 sites in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana where E. angustifolia was removed. We collected information regarding plant cover and richness, climate, soil characteristics, management history, and geography. We analyzed these data using regression tree modeling. Our results indicate that moisture and temperature are key environmental factors relating to restoration success as measured by abundance of native cover; lower temperatures and greater availability of water were generally associated with more native cover. These results have important implications for selection of restoration sites, and for understanding the consequences of removing this species.

Of olives and carp: interactive effects of an aquatic and a terrestrial invader on a stream‐riparian ecosystem

“…Removal of Russian olive may not be an effective form of restoration if native species of vegetation cannot return or if interactions exist with other invaders. Very little is known regarding the effectiveness or responses to Russian olive removal as restoration (Gaddis and Sher 2012). Similarly, removal of carp may be ineffective if management does not address underlying problems that set the stage for increases in their populations.…”

Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Biology and Ecology and its Potential to Invade Northern North American Riparian Ecosystems

“…Mechanical control methods, such as mowing, cutting, and bulldozing, have been used, but with varying success (Katz and Shafroth 2003). Additionally, these techniques can often have undesirable consequences; removal of Russian-olive can cause severe soil disturbances, leading to increased erosion (Stannard et al 2002), and the invasive species is often replaced by other exotic species (Gaddis and Sher 2012).…”

Association of non-native Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii, Caprifoliaceae) with other invasive plant species in eastern deciduous forests in southwestern Ohio

“…Similarly, the African crystalline ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) is problematic in California because it accumulates salt, which is released into the soil when the plant dies, creating an osmotic environment intolerable to native plants, but conducive to invasion by introduced species (Vivrette and Muller 1977). In the eastern USA, Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) is a woody, nitrogen-fixing shrub whose occurrence is associated with subsequent invasions by other nonnative plant species that are better able to utilize the nitrogen-rich soils, compared to native plants (Follstad Shah et al 2010, Gladdis andSher 2012;but see DeCant 2008). Although reports of positive interactions among nonnatives are relatively rare (18.9% of all reported interactions; Kuebbing and Nuñez 2015), when they do occur, such interactions are three times more frequent when a nitrogen fixer is involved.…”