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Russian Olive vs White Fringe Tree
Chionanthus virginicus
Elaeagnus angustifolia
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
White Fringe Tree is known for its fringe-like white flowers. It can either grow as a small tree or a large multistemmed shrub. The White Fringe Tree has separate male and female plants. Both male and female flowers have white fringe-like petals, but the male flowers are longer and showier. The female flowers give way to clusters of dark blue to black berries. These berries are not edible for humans but attract birds and other wildlife.
The White Fringe Tree is tolerant of clay soils, saline soils, and air pollution but does not do well in prolonged dry conditions.
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.
White Fringe Tree Quick Facts
Russian Olive Quick Facts
In row spacing: 1.8 - 2.4 m (6 - 8 ft)