Russian Olive vs Tulip Tree - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Tulip Tree

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Liriodendron tulipifera

Russian Olive
Tulip 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.

Tulip Tree is the perfect shade tree for wide open spaces. It has a shallow and extensive root system, so ensure you give it space to grow. The attractive and showy, yellow-orange, tulip shaped flowers are where this tree gets its name.

Tulip Tree is somewhat rare in Canada but highly sought after as it is difficult to grow. Does best in a moist, well-drained soil.

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Tulip Tree Quick Facts

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Lowest Price: $7.49 - SAVE UP TO 25%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, oval to pyramidal
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Foliage: silver scales
Foliage: 4-lobed somewhat spade-shaped
Fall colour: golden yellow
Flowers: yellow
Flowers: greenish yellow, tulip-shaped
Bloom time: spring to early summer
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)
Native to: ON
Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive
Other Names: canoewood, tulip poplar, tulip-poplar, tuliptree, yellow poplar