Russian Olive vs Bitternut Hickory - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Bitternut Hickory

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Carya cordiformis

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Russian Olive
Bitternut Hickory

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.

Bitternut Hickory is a large deciduous tree that makes a great shade tree for yards and parks. This tree is native to Eastern North America. Although it produces nuts, they are bitter and inedible. Some consider this wood to be the best flavour for smoking meats.

Plant Bitternut Hickory in it’s forever home. It is difficult to transplant due to its long taproot, and may not survive.

The wood is strong and has historically been used for wheels, ladders, and furniture.

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Bitternut Hickory Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 13 m (42 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


Foliage: silver scales
Bark: ridged, durable
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: silver-yellow, olive-like
Nuts: bitter
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
Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive
Other Names: swamp hickory