Russian Olive vs Hardy Banana - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Hardy Banana

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Musa basjoo

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

CUSTOM GROW

Russian Olive
Hardy Banana

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.

The Hardy Banana is a fast-growing evergreen perennial that dies down to the ground each year. A stunning tropical-looking accent for your yard and patio, the Japanese Fiber Banana can be overwintered outdoors in several northern U.S. states and southern Canadian regions. In northern regions, you can bring this plant inside and leave it in your garage. If you enjoy Mexican cuisine, you can use the leaves to make tamales.

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Hardy Banana Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 5a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: silver scales
Flowers: yellow
Flowers: large cream to yellow
Fruit: silver-yellow, olive-like
Fruit: Large inedible
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
Other Names: japanese banana, japanese fibre banana