Russian Olive vs Eastern Cottonwood - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Eastern Cottonwood

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Populus deltoides

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Russian Olive
Eastern Cottonwood

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.

This fast and tall growing tree has an open, spreading crown and is more suited to waterside planting than other aspens and poplars.

Commonly found in floodplains, stream valleys and lake shores, this tree quickly fills in reclamation areas.

In order to reproduce and grow effectively, Eastern Cottonwood relies on the natural flooding cycle to ensure they are not out-competed by weeds and other plants.

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Eastern Cottonwood Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: silver scales
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: silver-yellow, olive-like
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