Invasive Exotic Plant Species: Autumn Olive
ID
420-321
Autumn olive was introduced to the U.S. from Japan and China in 1830. It was originally planted for wildlife habitat, shelterbelts, and mine reclamation, but has escaped cultivation. It is dispersed most frequently by birds and other wildlife, which eat the berries.
It spreads rapidly in open and disturbed areas. Autumn olive’s drought tolerance and ability to fix nitrogen allow it to colonize readily in dry, bare soil.
Identification
Leaves – The underside of the leaves, along with the fruit and twigs, are silver speckled. Leaves are 1 to 3 inches long by 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide and lanceolate (see Figure 1) in shape.
Fruit – Berry-like silver-speckled red fruit measuring 1/4 to 1/3 inch in diameter.
Twig – Slender and silver speckled. Lateral twigs sometimes resemble thorns.
Form – Grows to a large shrub, up to 20 feet.
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Similar species
Russian olive and thorny olive, both of which are also non-native and invasive. Russian olive can be differentiated from autumn olive by yellow olive fruits maturing in the fall. Thorny olive has brown, hairy twigs.
Control
Imazapyr is one herbicide recommended for control of autumn olive, using a 1-percent solution in water with a surfactant. Apply as a foliar spray while the plant is actively growing. If foliage is difficult to reach, larger plants can be cut and stump treated with imazapyr in a 5-percent water solution.
Glyphosate has also shown effective results for treating autumn olive. A 20-percent solution in water is suggested for cut-stump treatments. Repeat applications in subsequent seasons may be necessary.
The following table displays many general-use chemical formulations labeled for control of autumn olive in a forested setting.
| Manufacturer | Product Name | Active Ingredient (ai) | Percent ai | Application Method* |
| Nufarm Turf and Specialty | Vanquish | Dicamba | 56.8 | F, C, B, S |
| Nufarm Turf and Specialty | Razor | Glyphosate | 41 | F, C |
| Nufarm Turf and Specialty | Razor Pro | Glyphosate | 41 | F, C |
| Dow AgroSciences | Accord Concentrate | Glyphosate | 53.8 | F, C |
| BASF | OneStep | Glyphosate + Imazapyr | 69.51 + 8.36 | F |
| BASF | Arsenal AC | Imazapyr | 53.1 | F, C |
| BASF | Chopper | Imazapyr | 27.6 | F, C, B |
| BASF | Stalker | Imazapyr | 27.6 | C, B |
| DuPont | Escort XP | Metsulfuron Methyl | 60 | F, S |
| Dow AgroSciences | Pathfinder II | Triclopyr | 13.6 | B, C |
References
Jackson, David R. 2005. Herbicides and forest vegetation management: Controlling unwanted trees, brush, and other competing forest vegetation. University Park, Pa.: Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences – Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension. 31 p.
Miller, James H. 2003. Nonnative invasive plants of southern forests: a field guide for identification and control. General Technical Report SRS–62. Asheville, N.C.: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 93 p.
Swearingen, J., K. Reshetiloff, B. Slattery, and S. Zwicker. 2002. Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 82 pp.
Photo Credits: James R. Allison, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, www.forestryimages.org
Disclaimer: Commercial products are named in this publication for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products and does not intend discrimination against other products which also may be suitable.
Rights
Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, re-print, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.
Publisher
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Rick D. Rudd, Interim Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Wondi Mersie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg.
Date
May 1, 2009