Russian Olive vs Balsam Poplar - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Balsam Poplar

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Populus balsamifera

Russian Olive
Balsam Poplar

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

Lowest Price: $4.49 - SAVE UP TO 25%
Lowest Price: $3.19 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Fuzz/fluff: see description
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Fall colour: golden yellow
Flowers: yellow
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium

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

In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive
Other Names: bam, bamtree, eastern balsam poplar, hackmatack, tacamahac