Russian Olive vs Thunderchild Flowering Crab - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Thunderchild Flowering Crab

Malus x adstringens Thunderchild

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Thunderchild Flowering Crab
Russian Olive

Thunderchild Flowering Crab is a hybrid crab apple known for its attractive and fragrant dark pink blossoms and deep purple mature leaves.

Tree farmers will find this hybrid appealing as a pollinator for other apples, while home growers will enjoy the red pome's ability to attract flocks of Cedar Waxwings in the early spring.

This species is reportedly resistant to fireblight.

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.

Thunderchild Flowering Crab Quick Facts

Russian Olive Quick Facts

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Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Foliage: dark purple leaves
Foliage: silver scales
Fall colour: dark red
Flowers: dark pink blossoms
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: small red pomes that hang through the winter
Fruit: silver-yellow, olive-like
Berries: small red pomes that hang through the winter
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)
Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive