Troubleshooting
Russian Olive problems — and how to fix them
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Verticillium wilt
Verticillium dahliae invades roots in wet or poorly drained sites, causing sudden branch die-back and vascular browning; there is no cure — remove affected wood and avoid replanting in the same spot.
Phomopsis canker
Phomopsis sp. causes stem cankers, dieback, and dark discolouration under bark, especially in humid climates; prune out affected material to clean wood and disinfect tools between cuts.
Prevent russian olive problems before they start
Most russian olive issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Russian Olive problems — FAQ
Why is my russian olive verticillium wilt?
Verticillium dahliae invades roots in wet or poorly drained sites, causing sudden branch die-back and vascular browning; there is no cure — remove affected wood and avoid replanting in the same spot.
Why is my russian olive phomopsis canker?
Phomopsis sp. causes stem cankers, dieback, and dark discolouration under bark, especially in humid climates; prune out affected material to clean wood and disinfect tools between cuts.