We'd like to take some time to highlight invasive species that you may come across in Maine. Identification and understanding of the challenges related to the spread of invasive species is the first step in removal and eradication of these aggressive plants.

I thought we'd start with Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) because soon you should be seeing their tiny red berries on roadsides, in fields, and along edges. They fruit in the fall--as the name suggests--Autumn Olive.

This is a perennial, deciduous shrub (10-15' tall and wide) that prefer sunny fields and edges, but can also be found in the forest. The most distinguishable characteristic about it is the silvery underside of the long leaves that taper at each end (lanceolate).  They have white tubular flowers in the Spring (looking very similar to another invasive Japanese Honeysuckle during this time).  The small red berries are speckled with little metallic dots and have a rough appearance.  

Secretly, Autumn Olive is my favorite invasive-- (dont tell anyone) because of its it's edibility and delicious-ness. These tiny little tart berries have more lycopene than tomatoes and have a lot of other healthy carotenoids, as well as being a good source of vitamin C.

Does this mean that we are recommending that you plant Autumn Olive on your property? ABSOLUTELY NOT.  Instead, try to harvest as many berries as you can! When it comes to harvesting invasives, most traditional foraging practices go out the window---feel free to harvest ALL the berries, from each shrub, and not feel like you need to leave some for the birds. Despite being highly nutritious for humans, autumn olive berries provide poor nutritional value to birds. Native birds need a diverse diet of native nuts, seeds, and berries. We also want to try to eliminate birds from carrying the seeds somewhere else. We hope you do your part in stopping the spread of this invasive by eating it!