Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is an invasive shrub that is widespread in Michigan and is restricted. This means it is illegal to buy or sell. Autumn olive can be found in a variety of habitats but most commonly found in open fields, along forest edges, and roadsides. It can grow upwards of 20 feet tall. The top of leaves are bright green and the bottoms are a distinct silver. Flowers bloom in August and September, they are white and have a strong smell. Bright red berries can be found in the fall. Young branches are speckled with brown spots and gradually turns to gray as the tree matures.
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Envrionmental effects
Since this species leafs out early, it shades the understory and prevents light from reaching native species and reduces native diversity. Autumn olive is a nitrogen fixer, so it degrades high quality habitats. This causes the habitat to be more vulnerable to other invasive species. When there are dense patches along rivers or streams, the nitrate levels in the water can increase. There have been no signs of deer suppressing this species, which gives it another advantage over native species.
Treatment
There are multiple treatment options for autumn olive. These include both chemical and non-chemical options.
NON-CHEMICAL CONTROL METHODS:
- Hand-pulling: small seedlings can be uprooted by hand. As long as there are no fruits, the plants can be left in a pile.
CHEMICAL CONTROL METHODS:
- Foliar application: large dense patches can be sprayed with herbicide directly onto the foliage of the shrub. This method is common for smaller size shrubs with canopies that can be completely covered.
- Cut-stump: herbicide is applied to the outer ring of a cut stump within a few minutes of making the cut. This is a great method for large shrubs that have not produced fruit for the season.
- Basal bark: herbicide is applied to the entire circumference of the lower 18 inches of bark. Note: this should only be done on trees less than 6 inches in diameter and not in the spring.