Russian Olive
(Elaeagnus angustifolia)

Silver Buffaloberry
(Shepherdia argentea)

One problem that has been encountered when identifying Russian Olive trees is that it is often mistaken for a similar plant known as Silver Buffaloberry. Silver Buffaloberry and Russian Olive look very similar from a distance, but upon closer inspection the differences are quite apparent. First of all, Silver Buffaloberry is not a tree but rather a shrub. It has no definite trunk. Second, although both plants are found along stream beds and both reach a similar height of around 5-6m tall, they produce very different types of fruit. The fruit is often the distinguishing factor. Russian Olive trees produce an olive shaped fruit, whereas the Silver Buffaloberry produces small red berries that hang in bunches from its thorny limbs. 

New State Designated Weed- Russian Olive

Should you encounter any of these weeds please contact the Carbon County Weed and Pest office at: (307) 324-6584

A growing problem in Carbon County, and the State of Wyoming as well, is Russian Olive. As of 2007, Russian Olive was officially added to the Wyoming Designated Weeds List and therefore is considered a threat and requires proper management. Russian Olive is an invasive treelike plant that is now commonly found along stream beds, river banks, and canyon bottoms. It was originally introduced to the United States as a ornamental shade tree and used in windbreaks but has since escaped and has now become a serious invader.