Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Mountain time
Russian Olive vs Balsam Poplar
Elaeagnus angustifolia
Populus balsamifera
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.
Balsam Poplar is a hardy, fast-growing deciduous tree that is Native to Canada east of the Rockies.
We grow them in two variations. Sometimes they are a male clones, so they don't produce fluff. Other times, we grow them from seed, which will result in fluff. The detailed descriptions (see below) will tell you which is which.
Russian Olive Quick Facts
Balsam Poplar Quick Facts
In row spacing: 1.8 - 2.4 m (6 - 8 ft)
In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)