Elaeagnus
| Botanical Name | Elaeagnus X reflexa |
|---|---|
| Family | Elaeagnaceae |
| Origin | Unknown; possibly Japan |
Identification
A vigorous, often scrambling, dense shrub of hybrid origin. Long arching shoots and branches. Elliptic leaves (widest in middle, rounded at both ends) silvery beneath dotted with brown star-shaped scales. Flowers Mar-May.Habitats
All types of shrublands, forest margins, light gaps, areas of full cover, roadsides, abandoned hedges, reverted farm sites, wasteland areas. Widespread from cultivated sites.Impact to Biota and Ecosystems
Scrambling plant which smothers regenerating forest e.g. manuka/kanuka. May create a problem if seeds are spread into forest interiors or forest light gaps, where plant may dominate sites possibly up to mid-canopy level i.e. smother tall shrubs and displace tree ferns etc.Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources
Plants have escaped or have grown out of control from farm hedges. No set dispersal routes. Dispersed by birds and mammals.Management
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Management |
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| Physical Control |
Extremely difficult. Slash or chainsaw all growth to ground level. Cut all bark off stumps and treat with herbicide mix. Cover stumps with sacking or black plastic sheeting to block out all light. |
| Disposal |
Deeply bury or compost. Do not mulch. |
| Chemical Control |
Metsulfuron stem injection. Metsulfuron 5g/10l on small plants and regrowth. |
|
Biological Control |
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| Recommended Approach |
Cut plants down close to ground. Leave for a period and spray regrowth with Metsulfuron. |