Russian Olive vs Ironwood Tree - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Ironwood Tree

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Ostrya virginiana

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Russian Olive
Ironwood Tree

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.

Ironwood Tree is one of the strongest and most resilient trees you will find in North America. In fact, it has the hardest and most dense wood of any North American tree. Prized for its oval shaped canopy and showy winter trunk, this striking shade tree will make a beautiful addition to any yard. Make sure you do not plant near roads as it is highly salt sensitive.

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Ironwood Tree Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Foliage: silver scales
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)
Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive