Elaeagnus angustifolia was first planted as an ornamental tree and for wildlife cover and sometimes escapes. The leaves are simple and alternate and the margins are entire (no teeth). The twigs and undersides of leaves are covered with silvery scales. Thorns may or may not be present. Elaeagnus umbellata is similar but the leaves tend to be a bit wider and the silvery scales on the leaves and twigs often have a few brown scales mixed in. Also the fruit of Elaeagnus umbellata is a red juicy berry, as opposed to the silvery dry fruit of Russian olive shown above.