Russian Olive vs Treasured Red Columnar Apple - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Treasured Red Columnar Apple

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Malus x Treasured Red Columnar

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Russian Olive
Treasured Red Columnar Apple

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.

Treasured Red Columnar Apple is a cold-hardy columnar variety developed by the University of Saskatchewan. The bright cherry red fruit ripens in early fall, and has a texture and flavour similar to a McIntosh apples. It stores well and is well-suited for fresh eating, baking, and preserves.

Unlike traditional apple trees that bear fruit on horizontal branches, the Treasured Red produces apples on short spurs that grow along its main trunk. This unique growth habit gives the tree its narrow, compact form, making it a perfect fit for urban yards and small spaces. The columnar growth and spring blooms also give it ornamental appeal.

For fruit production, cross-pollination is required. Apples need to be planted with another Apple or Crab Apple variety.

Note: We do not ship grafted apples to BC due to regulatory restrictions from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Treasured Red Columnar Apple Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: silver scales
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: silver-yellow, olive-like
Fruit: bright red with waxy bloom
Flavor: Similar to McIntosh
Harvest: mid September
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