Russian Olive
Elaeagnus angustifolia • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a fine to medium uniform texture; often shows a decorative ring-porous cathedral figure when flat-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically yellowish-brown to dark brown, often with a subtle greenish cast. Sapwood is a pale, creamy white to yellowish and is clearly demarcated from heartwood. The wood darkens slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
1,240 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; heartwood has good resistance to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Woodturning, small furniture, tool handles, fence posts, fuelwood, and carving.
Geographic Origin
Native to Western and Central Asia; extensively naturalized and considered invasive in many parts of North America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot (mostly available through specialty turners or local milling as it is not a widely commercial timber species).
Wood Age Estimate
The standing specimen appears to be approximately 20-35 years old based on crown density and trunk diameter relative to growth rates for this invasive species.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; however, it is classified as a noxious weed or invasive species in many U.S. states, meaning its harvest is often encouraged for ecological restoration.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause some tearout during planing. It glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often produces a faint, pleasant scent when being worked; known for its nitrogen-fixing properties in soil and distinctive silvery-gray foliage shown in the image.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all standard finishes well; clear oils or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the contrast between heartwood and sapwood.
Identification Confidence
High; identification based on the distinctive silvery-lanceolate leaves, shrubby growth habit, and characteristic bark visible in the provided live tree photograph.