Russian Olive vs American Elm - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs American Elm

Ulmus americana

Elaeagnus angustifolia

American Elm
Russian Olive

American Elm is fast growing, tall tree with a recognizable and pleasing shape.

It's well suited for urban environments because of its non-invasive roots and ability to grow on harsh sites (quite salt tolerant). American Elm develops a wide, dense canopy that provides shade for many city streets around North America.

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.

American Elm Quick Facts

Russian Olive Quick Facts

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Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: very long
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none


Foliage: silver scales
Fall colour: bright yellow
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: silver-yellow, olive-like
Seeds: samara
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 1.8 - 2.4 m (6 - 8 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: water elm, whilte elm
Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive