Ability to Respond Total:10 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )
Confidence:Medium
Confidence Notes:
Impact
Spread
Notes
Score
Spread Rate
While the majority of populations seem to be steady and not expanding, there are some regions, such as Southern California and the central coast, where it appears to be spreading, albeit at a slow pace.
2
Spread Amount
Thrives in diverse habitats: valley & foothill grassland, riparian forest, cismontane woodland, and agricultural land. Known to invade disturbed sites such as upland areas near riparian corridors and dry coastal grasslands. Moreover, it can establish itself in areas where there is no apparent disturbance.
3
Damage
Notes
Score
Ecological
Olive has the potential to displace native species and decrease the amount of available light, however, in California they are typically found only in small clusters or as single trees, and are not believed to have any significant impact.
0
Agricultural
No known impacts to agriculture.
0
Infrastructure
No known impacts to infrastructure.
0
Cultural
No known cultural impacts.
0
Health
No known health issues through disease, toxicity, or physical injury.
0
Benefit
Notes
Score
Ecological
Wild olives act as a food source for rodents and birds, like starlings, crows, and sparrows which are all present in California.
0
Agricultural
99 percent of US olive production occurs in California. Olea europaea growing on agricultural land may be viewed as a benefit.
5
Infrastructure
No known benefits to infrastructure.
0
Cultural
Olive trees are cultivated for ornamental and crop purposes, and wild olives may provide similar in some areas. They are part of California's historic culture and iconic landscape.
1
Health
Olives and subsequent byproducts, like olive oil, have numerous health benefits. Wild olives likely have the same or similar properties, making them a healthy food.
3
Total
-4
Ability to Respond
Ease of Response
Notes
Score
Detection
Olive trees are very distinctive to many people by their fruit, leaves, and bark. Taxon and seeds are readily apparent and spread only through limited, known pathways.
5
Control
control methods are well documented. Cultural methods tend to lead to resprouting. Mechanical removal of your seedlings is effective. Glyphosate, imazapyr, and triclopyr are all excellent chemical controls. Plant spreads in known ways.
4
Tools in Place
Notes
Score
Entry
Not listed on CCR 4500 Noxious Weed list or CDFA Pest Rating. Commonly sold as an ornamental as well as a crop plant.
