Russian Olive vs Swamp White Oak - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Swamp White Oak

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Quercus bicolor

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Russian Olive
Swamp White Oak

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 Swamp White Oak is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to North America. It is commonly found in swamps, lowlands, floodplains, and near streams and lakes. The leaves are two-toned, green on top and silvery-white on the undersides, adding to the visual appeal of this popular shade tree.

In the fall, the Swamp White Oak produces acorns which are an important food source for wildlife. It also provides a habitat for the larvae of many butterfly and moth species, playing an important ecological role. Although its growth is slow in the first few years, once the roots are established, it can achieve faster annual growth.

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Swamp White Oak Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Toxicity: mildly toxic to humans, cats, and dogs
Foliage: silver scales
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: silver-yellow, olive-like
Nuts: acorns
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, QC
Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive
Other Names: bicolor oak