Russian Olive vs Pussy Willow - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Pussy Willow

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Salix discolor

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Russian Olive
Pussy Willow

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.

Pussy Willow is a large shrub or small tree that produces catkins that are soft, silky, and silvery before leaves appear in the spring. This native willow prefers moist to wet soil.

Pussy Willow makes a beautiful accent tree, and its bright branches can be used for floral arrangements or basket making.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.69 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


Foliage: silver scales
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: silver-yellow, olive-like
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes

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

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, NT, PE
Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive
Other Names: american willow