Russian Olive vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Red Alder

Alnus rubra

Elaeagnus angustifolia

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Red Alder
Russian Olive

Red Alder is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to western North America. Its fixes nitrogen, which enriches soils and supports the growth of surrounding plants. Ideal for sites with poor soil conditions, or areas disturbed by logging, construction or fire.
It provides shade in riparian areas, creating cover for fish. Its seeds and buds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while the foliage provides browse for wildlife. The catkins release clouds of pollen attracting bees and other insects.
The Red Alder gets its namesake from the rusty-red color the bark turns when bruised.

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.

Red Alder Quick Facts

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Zone: 5b
Zone: 2a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, rounded to conical
Spreading: seeds - medium, stump sprouting - medium
Suckering: none


Foliage: silver scales
Bark: smooth, grey
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: silver-yellow, olive-like
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 1.8 - 2.4 m (6 - 8 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: BC
Other Names: oregon alder, pacific coast alder, western alder
Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive