Russian Olive vs Mustang Cherry Plum - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Mustang Cherry Plum

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Prunus x Jefchum

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Russian Olive
Mustang Cherry Plum

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.

Mustang Cherry Plum is a cherry-plum hybrid. They are known for their fragrant white flowers in spring and sweet fruit in late August. Mustang Cherry Plums are about one inch in diameter and they have a strong cherry taste. This plant is small enough to fit in moderately sized yards.

Because of Mustang Cherry Plum's genetics and cold hardiness, it is popular for grafting and as a rootstock.

For fruit production, it needs to be planted with another variety for cross-pollination. Canada Plum and American Plum are considered universal pollinizers.

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Mustang Cherry Plum Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: low


Foliage: silver scales
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: silver-yellow, olive-like
Fruit size: 1 inch in diameter
Flavor: sweet with red strong cherry taste
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