Russian Olive Trees

I love the smell of the Russian Olive tree whose fragrance only lasts for about one week each season. Most years I plan on its scent in late May or early June. But because of our late Spring, this year it happened on about the 12th of June.

When I first detect the fragrance of this silver-green, small-leaved Russian olive tree, I insist that my husband drive slowly through the areas they grow. He does not share my love for them but is very patient with me.

The not-so-pretty Russian olives were brought to the United States from Eurasia in the late 18th century, have few natural enemies and can survive almost anything. They grow fast, in almost any soil, and are more drought-resistant than most native trees.

They were planted often during the 1930s Dust Bowl as shelter belts. But now Russian olives have crept to the river banks and invaded irrigation canals and create other nuisances for land owners. They thrive and multiply where native plants sometimes cannot.

Once I mentioned to a group of friends that I was enjoying the smell in the air of the Russian Olive tree. Many in the blurry-eyed group almost cursed me as they recounted their extreme allergic reactions to the tree.

So . . . it appears I am in the minority as far as a love of the Russian Olive tree. This week I will enjoy in silence!