oleaster family

Family Elaeagnaceae, composed of three genera of hardy shrubs and small trees, found in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in steppe and coastal regions. The plants' tiny, distinctive scales give them a silvery or rust-coloured sheen. Many members of the family perform nitrogen fixation. The berries of several species are edible. Ornamental shrubs in this family include buffalo berry or silverberry (Shepherdia argentea), oleaster or Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), and sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides).

Find more information on oleaster family. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on oleaster family.