Living in the intermountain West you can't help but notice the success of the invasive Russian Olive, Elaeagnus angustifolia. It appears to be the only member of the genus to thrive in arid climates without irrigation. It can actually be a beautiful small tree with wonderful smelling flowers, pretty leaves and bark, and a nice growth form.

BUT, the fruit is not nearly as useful as certain other members of the genus (Goumi, Autumn Olive, Silverberry), and close relatives (Seaberry). Somewhere I heard of grafting these other species onto Russian Olive, and was wondering if anyone here knows anything about this, or could give a guess as to the outcome (would it provide increased drought tolerance, greater size, longer life, etc..)

Thanks