Russian Olive vs Silver Leaf Willow - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Silver Leaf Willow

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Salix alba sericea

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Russian Olive
Silver Leaf 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.

Native to North America, Silver Leaf Willow has orangish bark and long, silvery grey leaves. Bees and other insects are attracted to its flowers.

Popular as an ornamental tree for parks, it is also used as a shelterbelt species. It may not be as cold hardy as some of the other willow varieties, however.

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Silver Leaf Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 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
Foliage: narrow-glossy
Fall colour: pale yellow
Bark: yellow-brown
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: silver-yellow, olive-like
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)
Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive
Other Names: white willow