On January 1, 2003, Colorado nurseries can no longer sell plants that are listed as noxious weeds to in-state Colorado customers. This includes a list of 19 new species including Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). This plant is particularly a problem around waterways including rivers, irrigation canals and reservoirs and is a real problem in river drainages such as the South Platte River, Colorado, Uncompaghre, Gunnison and White River. Birds eat the seeds and "deposit" them at their next stop which is often near a body of water. Russian olives grow very aggressively and often out compete our native species such as willows and cottonwood. What remains is a monoculture of Russian olive.
FAQ #33960
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I think I read that Russian olive trees cannot be sold by nurseries in Colorado now. Is that true? What are the main reasons why these trees are not good in Colorado?
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