Russian Olive vs Butternut (White Walnut) - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Butternut (White Walnut)

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Juglans cinerea

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Russian Olive
Butternut (White Walnut)

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.

Butternut is one of the few walnut varieties native to Canada. The nuts are sought after for their mild, sweet, and oily taste. Ensure this tree is planted in full sun and well-drained soil for best results.

Butternut is self-fertile but it has better yields when planted near other butternuts. It can survive in zone 2, but reliably produces nuts in zone 3.

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2b
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 8 m (27 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: silver scales
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: silver-yellow, olive-like
Nuts: brown shell, edible
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: ON, QC, NB
Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive
Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut