Russian Olive vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Black Locust

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Robinia pseudoacacia

Russian Olive
Black Locust

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.

Black Locust is an attractive tree. Its distinctive leaves are made of about a dozen bright green leaflets. It also notable for its fragrant white flowers, which smell of citrus.

Black Locust can grow in many situations, but prefers dry areas with lots of sun. It is robust and is an excellent choice for establishing shade in dry, open areas.

Important note: Much of the Black Locust is toxic to humans and livestock, including seeds, bark, and leaves.

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Black Locust Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $4.49 - SAVE UP TO 25%
Lowest Price: $0.89 - SAVE UP TO 82%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Flowers: yellow
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: high

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: false acacia, yellow locust