Russian olive

Russian olive is a shrub from western Asia and southern Europe that can reach up to 9 metres in height. The stems and leaves are densely covered with silvery hairs and often have thorns. The aromatic yellow flowers turn into silvery to red olive-shaped fruits. Russian olive is very competitive and can form a dense vegetation in which native plants no longer have a chance. In addition, it can fix atmospheric nitrogen, thereby enriching the soil. The fruits are eaten by birds and this is how this ornamental plant, which is often planted, spreads in the wild.