Red Maple vs Russian Olive - TreeTime.ca

Red Maple vs Russian Olive

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Acer rubrum

Russian Olive
Red Maple

Russian Olive is a medium-sized deciduous tree that has attractive silvery coloured foliage with small yellow flowers that emit a fragrant sweet smell.

It is drought and salt tolerant, and works well as a shelterbelt species. Russian Olive can also be used to combat erosion.

Note: although Russian Olive is planted as an attractive boulevard tree in many northern areas, in warmer areas it can invade watersheds and is considered invasive. Please do some research and plant the right tree in the right place.

Red Maple is a beautiful deciduous tree that blooms with small red flowers in the spring. It is one of the first trees to change colour in the fall, turning a brilliant reddish-orange colour. It is one of the most common and widespread maples in North America.

Red Maple is a great choice for parks and large gardens where there is ample room for its root system.

Important note: Red Maple leaves are toxic to horses if ingested in quantity.

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Red Maple Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $4.49 - SAVE UP TO 25%
Lowest Price: $3.99 - SAVE UP TO 60%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: reddish-orange
Flowers: yellow
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none

In row spacing: 1.8 - 2.4 m (6 - 8 ft)

In row spacing: 2.4 - 4 m (8 - 12 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Toxicity: wilted leaves toxic to horses
Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive
Other Names: soft maple, swamp maple, water maple