The genus Elaeagnus contains about 100 different species of shrubby trees. In this invasive species spotlight, we will look at two that have become invasive in large parts of the United States: Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) and Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). Although they have distinct differences, both species are often conflated due to similar growing habits and recommended control treatments.

As greenhouse gas emissions increase global temperatures at even quicker rates, various tree species are expected to shift farther north in search of appropriate habitats, which could dramatically alter the species composition of our landscape. Fortunately, we can make decisions today to keep the diversity of our forests intact while assisting species as they migrate towards cooler climates. Whether you want to plant street trees, add some wildlife value to your backyard, or reforest an abandoned field, selecting native trees that are suitable for an impending climate is imperative. Planting a diverse array of climate-appropriate trees will go a long way in creating climate resilient green spaces for both humans and wildlife.  

Join us as we continue our exploration of the vegetative communities of the Piedmont region of the Eastern United States. In this new series of blogs, we'll be spotlighting specific vegetative communities, define their historic structures, describe the processes that created them, examine past and ongoing threats to their survival, and provide suggestions for long-term, sustainable forest management to help steward them into the future. In this spotlight, we’ll discuss “Dry Oak – Mixed Hardwood Forests,” which were historically abundant throughout the Mid-Atlantic and the Piedmont region, where they were both economically and ecologically valuable.