Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)


Elaeagnus umbellata


RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: High risk, score: 13


Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Hawai‘i.

Research directed by C. Daehler (UH Botany) with funding from the Kaulunani Urban Forestry Program and US Forest Service

Information on Risk Assessments
Original risk assessment

Elaeagnus umbellata (autumn olive; Elaeagnus parvifolia Royle )

Answer

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=-1, n=-1

y

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y=-1, n=-1

y

2.01

Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical”

See Append 2

0

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

1

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

n

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

n

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range? y=-2

?=-1, n=0

y

3.01

Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05

y

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

y

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

n

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

y

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

n

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

n

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

n

4.1

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

y

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

y

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

y

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

n

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

n

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

n

6.07

Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1

See left

2

7.01

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas)

y=1, n=-1

y

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

n

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

n

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

y

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

n

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

y

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

y

8.02

Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr)

y=1, n=-1

y

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

y

8.04

Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire

y=1, n=-1

y

8.05

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

13

Supporting data:

Source

Notes

1.01

no evidence

1.02

Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html; [4,14,18,23]. in reference

Autumn-olive is native to Asia. It has been introduced in North America, and has naturalized in the East. Its naturalized range is from Maine south to South Carolina, west to Oklahoma, and north to southwest Minnesota. It is also occurs, but has not naturalized in, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming

1.03

West Virginia Department of Agriculture. 1997. Regulations Governing the Distribution of Plant Material in West Virginia. West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

E. umbellata and E. umbellata var. parvifolia are both listed as noxious weed in Virginia

2.01

(1)USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/var/apache/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl?Elaeagnus+umbellata (07 November 2001). (2) Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html

(1) Native distributional range: Asia-Temperate: China; Japan - Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku; Korea; Taiwan
(2) Autumn-olive is native to Asia. It has been introduced in North America, and has naturalized in the East. Its naturalized range is from Maine south to South Carolina, west to Oklahoma, and north to southwest Minnesota. It is also occurs, but has not naturalized in, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming [4,14,18,23].; Seeds require cold stratification for germination. Optimum germination is achieved with a minimum stratification period of 16 weeks at 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (10-20 deg C) [28]. NEEDS COLD STRATIFICATION

2.02

2.03

(1)USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/var/apache/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl?Elaeagnus+umbellata (07 November 2001). (2) Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html

(1) Native distributional range: Asia-Temperate: China; Japan - Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku; Korea; Taiwan
(2) Autumn-olive is native to Asia. It has been introduced in North America, and has naturalized in the East. Its naturalized range is from Maine south to South Carolina, west to Oklahoma, and north to southwest Minnesota. It is also occurs, but has not naturalized in, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming [4,14,18,23].; Seeds require cold stratification for germination. Optimum germination is achieved with a minimum stratification period of 16 weeks at 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (10-20 deg C) [28].

2.04

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p. 588.

"sparingly naturalized" only around Volcano village

2.05

Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html; [4,14,18,23]. in reference

Autumn-olive is native to Asia. It has been introduced in North America, and has naturalized in the East. Its naturalized range is from Maine south to South Carolina, west to Oklahoma, and north to southwest Minnesota. It is also occurs, but has not naturalized in, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming

3.01

Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html; [4,14,18,23]. in reference

Autumn-olive is native to Asia. It has been introduced in North America, and has naturalized in the East. Its naturalized range is from Maine south to South Carolina, west to Oklahoma, and north to southwest Minnesota. It is also occurs, but has not naturalized in, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming

3.02

(1)West Virginia Department of Agriculture. 1997. Regulations Governing the Distribution of Plant Material in West Virginia. West Virginia Department of Agriculture. (2) Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia

(http://www.dcr.state.va.us/dnh/fselum.pdf) Virginia Natural Heritage Program. 217 Governor St.Richmond, VA 23219; (804) 786-7951;FAX (804) 371-2674

(1) listed as noxious weed in Virginia (2) "Typical habitats are disturbed areas, roadsides, pastures and fields of wide range of soil. Autumn olive is drought tolerant and may invade grassland and sparse woodlands. It does not do well on wet sites or densely forested areas."

3.03

(1)West Virginia Department of Agriculture. 1997. Regulations Governing the Distribution of Plant Material in West Virginia. West Virginia Department of Agriculture. (2) Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia (http://www.dcr.state.va.us/dnh/fselum.pdf) Virginia Natural Heritage Program. 217 Governor St.Richmond, VA 23219; (804) 786-7951;FAX (804) 371-2674

(1) listed as noxious weed in Virginia (2) "Typical habitats are disturbed areas, roadsides, pastures and fields of wide range of soil. Autumn olive is drought tolerant and may invade grassland and sparse woodlands. It does not do well on wet sites or densely forested areas."

3.04

(1)West Virginia Department of Agriculture. 1997. Regulations Governing the Distribution of Plant Material in West Virginia. West Virginia Department of Agriculture. (2) Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia (http://www.dcr.state.va.us/dnh/fselum.pdf) Virginia Natural Heritage Program. 217 Governor St.Richmond, VA 23219; (804) 786-7951;FAX (804) 371-2674

(1) listed as noxious weed in Virginia (2) "Typical habitats are disturbed areas, roadsides, pastures and fields of wide range of soil. Autumn olive is drought tolerant and may invade grassland and sparse woodlands. It does not do well on wet sites or densely forested areas."

3.05

USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA

E. angustifolia, E. pungens are listed as weeds

4.01

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p. 588.

branches spiny

4.02

Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html

Because of its nitrogen fixing abilities, autumn-olive has been utilized as a nurse plant for black walnut (Juglans nigra) in Canada and the United States [15,17,21].

4.03

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p. 588.

4.04

no evidence, browsed by deer

4.05

Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html

Autumn-olive is highly valued species for wildlife [8,12,13,24]. It provides both cover and food for a variety of birds and mammals. The fruits, which remain on the plant until late winter, are browsed by deer, songbirds, and gamebirds [7,17,23,28]. The foliage provides thermal and nesting cover for birds and small mammals, especially when planted as windbreaks [7,23].

4.06

Arthur, J.C., and G.B. Cummins. 1933. Rusts of the Northwest Himalayas. Mycologia 25:397-406

E. umbellata is an acedium host of Puccinia coronata, which is a servere pathogen attacking about 700 species of grass including crop species.

4.07

no evidence

4.08

no evidence

4.09

N. Sather, Nancy Eckardt (1987).Element Stewardship Aabstract for Elaeagnus umbellata. The Nature Conservancy. (http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs/documnts/elaeumb.html)

Mature trees tolerate light shade, but produce more fruits in full sun, and seedlings may be shade intolerant. (Nestleroad, J., U. D. Zimmerman, and J. E. Ebinger. 1984. Autumn olive reproduction in three Illinois state parks. Unpublished. ).

4.1

(1)Pankaj Panwar; Bhardwaj, S. D. 2000. Performance of shrubs in sand and lime stone mines of Himachal Pradesh. Indian Forester, 2000, Vol.126, No.3, pp.279-283, abstract (2) Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html

(1) Three nitrogen fixing shrub species were planted in June 1988 in sandstone and limestone mined areas in Himachal Pradesh, India, using 2 treatments - planting in forest soil (2.5 kg/pit) and in mine spoil alone. Survival, growth, and biomass production were recorded 6 months later. Elaeagnus umbellata had maximum survival and growth performance, followed by Coriaria nepalensis and Indigofera pulchella , in both sandstone and limestone mined areas. In sandstone mine spoil E. umbellata registered 73.33% survival, which increased to 91.67% when soil was added to the planting pit; in limestone mine spoil survival was 87.5%, which increased to 95.24% with the addition of soil. I. pulchella did not survive under either planting treatment in limestone mine spoil. Some growth parameters were increased in both mine spoils by the addition of oil to the planting pit, while others (notably diameter and root: shoot ratio) were more in mine spoil alone. (2)Autumn-olive is found on a variety of soil types. It grows wel

4.11

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p. 588.

branches slender, spreading

4.12

(http://www.hear.org/pier/elumb.htm) Sternberg, G. in: Randall, J. M. and J. Marinelli, ed. 1996. Invasive plants: weeds of the global garden. Brooklyn Botanic Garden Handbook 149.

Autumn olive grows rapidly into an impenetrable, thorny thicket, usurping space from more valuable species. The shrub can dominate almost any landscape type, from fencerows to meadows to open woods, even sand dunes and mine spoils." (Sternberg, 1996)

5.01

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p. 588.

5.02

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p. 588.

5.03

Tredici, P. del 1996. A nitrogen fixation: the story of the Frankia symbiosis. Arnoldia (Boston), 1996, Vol.55, No.4, pp.26-31,

The importance, distribution, and use of non-leguminous nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs, with their symbiosis with Frankia , is described. Species covered include Alnus , Myrica pensylvanica , M. cerifera , Comptonia peregrina , Ceanothus americanus , Shepherdia canadenis , Purshia tridentata , Cercocarpus , Casuarina , Elaeagnus umbellata and E. angustifolia .

5.04

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p. 588.

6.01

no evidence

6.02

Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html

Sexual reproduction: Autumn-olive generally flowers at 2 to 3 years of age. Abundant seed production begins at age 3 to 4 years. Seeds require cold stratification for germination. Optimum germination is achieved with a minimum stratification period of 16 weeks at 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (10-20 deg C) [28].

6.03

6.04

6.05

no evidence

6.06

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p. 588.

6.07

(1) Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html (2) (http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs/documnts/elaeumb.rtf) N. Sather, Nancy Eckardt 1987. ELEMENT STEWARDSHIP ABSTRACT for Elaeagnus umbellata, Natural Concservancy

(1) Sexual reproduction: Autumn-olive generally flowers at 2 to 3 years of age. Abundant seed production begins at age 3 to 4 years. Seeds require cold stratification for germination. Optimum germination is achieved with a minimum stratification period of 16 weeks at 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (10-20 deg C) [reference 28].; (2) It grows rapidly, producing fruits in 3-5 years. Anthesis occurs after first leaves are out from May to June. Flowers are fragrant and pollinated by a variety of insects (Holtz 1981).

7.01

Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html

Autumn-olive is used as an ornamental on highway and park landscapes [7].

7.02

Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html

7.03

no evidence

7.04

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p. 588.

fleshy fruit

7.05

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p. 588.

fleshy fruit

7.06

Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html

Seeds are ingested with fruit and dispersed by birds and mammals [14,24]

7.07

Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html

Seeds are ingested with fruit and dispersed by birds and mammals [14,24]

7.08

Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html

Seeds are ingested with fruit and dispersed by birds and mammals [14,24]

8.01

N. Sather, Nancy Eckardt (1987).Element Stewardship Aabstract for Elaeagnus umbellata. The Nature Conservancy. (http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs/documnts/elaeumb.html)

E. umbellata produces a large amount of seed, each tree producing 2-8 lbs. of seed per year and the number of seeds per lb. ranging from 20,000-54,000. The seeds are widely distributed by birds and have a high rate of germination

8.02

Fowler, Linda J.; Fowler, Dale K. 1987. Stratification and temperature requirements for germination of autumn ol olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) seed. Tree Planter's Notes. 38(1): 14-17, abstract

Berries were collected in Nov. 1979 from 25 shrubs on the Ollis Creek Surface Mine, Tennessee. Seeds were separated from the pulp and placed in naked cold stratification at 5 deg C for 8, 12, 16 or 20 wk before testing for germination on moist filter paper at night/day temp. of 5/15 deg , 10/20 deg or 20/30 deg . Results indicated that opt. germination percentages and rate will be achieved with stratification for 16 wk and a subsequent night/day temp. of 10/20 deg .

8.03

Kuhns, L. J. 1986. Controlling autumn olive with herbicides. Proceedings, 40th annual meeting of the Northeastern Weed Science Society., 1986, pp.289-294, abstract

In field trials in 1984, foliar applications of 2,4-D + 2,4-DP [dichlorprop], triclopyr, 2,4-D + triclopyr or metsulfuron methyl at recommended rates did not provide total kill of Elaeagnus umbellata and plants severely injured after application recovered the next year. Dicamba provided total kill of 90% of treated plants and severely retarded the growth of survivors the following year. Basal applications of triclopyr alone or with 2,4-D gave excellent control of E. umbellata at very low concn. Low rates of 2,4-D + 2,4-DP provided slower and incomplete kill, but none of the treated plants were expected to survive.

8.04

Reed, William R. 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (2001, October). Fire Effects Information System,. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaumb/all.html

Autumn-olive may sprout from the root crown following low- to moderate-severity fire. It is probably an off-site colonizer of burned sites because it produces adundant seed which is dispersed by animals [14,24].

8.05

no evidence


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